Departments That We Provide

Clinical Examination and Investigation

Comprehensive diagnostic facilities are available for corneal and ocular surface disorders:

1. Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy – for detailed assessment of corneal pathology.
2. Corneal Topography / Tomography – for keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, and pre-refractive evaluation.
3. Specular Microscopy – endothelial cell count and morphology assessment.
4. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT).
5. Pachymetry (Ultrasound/Optical) – central corneal thickness measurement.
6. Confocal Microscopy – in vivo cellular level evaluation of corneal layers.
7. Microbiological Investigations – smear, culture, and sensitivity for infectious keratitis.
8. Tear Film Assessment – Schirmer’s test, TBUT, and ocular surface staining for dry eye evaluation.

Procedures

The department provides specialized procedures for diagnosis and treatment:

1. Corneal Scraping & Culture – for infectious keratitis workup.
2. Amniotic Membrane Transplantation (AMT) – for ocular surface reconstruction.
3. Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) – for keratoconus and ectatic corneal disorders.
4. Bandage Contact Lens Fitting – for painful corneal conditions and epithelial defects.
5. Tissue Adhesive & Bandage Contact Lens – for corneal perforations.
6. Pterygium Excision with Conjunctival Autograft.
7. Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation (Autologous/Allogenic).
8. Tear Film Procedures – punctal plugs, cautery for dry eye management.
9. Contact Lens Evaluation & Fitting – in severe corneal blindness cases.

Surgical Services

The department performs advanced corneal and anterior segment surgeries:

1. Therapeutic Keratoplasty – for uncontrolled infectious keratitis or corneal perforations.
2. Optical Keratoplasty – to restore vision in corneal opacity.
3. Refractive Surgeries (LASIK, PRK, ICL) – correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
4. Corneal Repair Surgeries – for trauma, lacerations, and perforations.
5. Ocular Surface Reconstruction – in chemical burns and severe ocular surface disease.
6. Combined Corneal & Cataract Surgeries – “Triple procedure” (PKP + IOL + cataract extraction).
7. Collagen Cross Linking- For corneal ectatic disorders like keratoconus

Cornea Services – Treatment Plans & Strategies

The Cornea Department at NIOH ensures specialized care and prevention of corneal blindness through:

• Eye Banking & Corneal Transplantation: Active collaboration with national and international eye banks to ensure tissue availability.
• Early Diagnosis & Medical Management: Prompt treatment of corneal ulcers, keratitis, and dry eye disorders.
• Refractive Services: Providing safe, effective refractive surgery for visual rehabilitation.
• Community Outreach: Screening for corneal diseases and promoting awareness about eye donation.
• Training & Research: Educating ophthalmology residents and fellows in corneal surgery and ocular surface management.
• Advocacy with policy making: For ensuring availability of corneal graft and easy access to services including surgery.