The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye that refracts light toward your retina, the structure that sends images to your brain. A healthy cornea is dome-shaped.
However, if you have keratoconus, your cornea can thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This leads to blurry vision, poor night vision, and light sensitivity.
As the condition progresses, your vision may become so impaired that you cannot perform daily activities like driving, navigating your surroundings, or working. In the past, keratoconus of this severity would likely warrant a corneal transplant. However, advancements in keratoconus care have led to procedures like CTAK, which offers a less invasive, more precise way to improve your vision.
Request an AppointmentCorneal tissue addition keratoplasty (CTAK) is an advanced treatment that can improve both the corneal stability and visual acuity of keratoconus patients. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to corneal transplantation that reduces the risk of long-term complications and improves your chances of a successful procedure.
CTAK works by strategically adding biological tissue to reinforce and reshape the cornea, addressing fundamental structural abnormalities within the cornea while correcting refractive errors. This state-of-the-art procedure can even improve the vision of patients who were previously told that a corneal transplant was their only option.
Learn More
CTAK offers numerous benefits for individuals with keratoconus, including:
CTAK reshapes and smooths the cornea's irregular surface to enhance vision and minimize distortions.
The procedure involves using a femtosecond laser guided by a unique map of your corneal structure, leading to more precise, personalized results. Lower Risk of Rejection and Complications: CTAK has a lower risk of immune rejection than full corneal transplants because it does not involve a complete tissue replacement. However, it's important to note that, like any medical procedure, CTAK carries some risks.
By preserving more of your original corneal tissue, CTAK is less invasive than traditional corneal transplantation. This means you'll likely experience a smoother and faster recovery, returning to everything you love sooner with clearer vision.
In certain cases, the added corneal tissue can be modified or removed if necessary. This offers keratoconus patients a level of flexibility not available with other treatments.
CTAK requires highly specialized expertise. At Cornea Eye Institute, our team, including Dr. Amir Moarefi, has undergone extensive training at leading keratoconus centers and is dedicated to achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Before beginning CTAK, your ophthalmologist will use a personalized planning diagram to guide the marking of your cornea. This marking ensures proper placement of the inlay for the best possible outcome.
Then, they will numb the surface of your eyes to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Once your eyes are numbed, they will use a femtosecond laser to make a circular channel around the cone of your cornea.
Your ophthalmologist will then make a small opening in this channel and implant the donor CTAK segment. Once placed, they will make sure it is appropriately positioned.
Your ophthalmologist will complete the quick fifteen to twenty-minute procedure by applying antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops, as well as a bandage contact lens to protect your eye and aid in the healing process.
By minimizing invasiveness, CTAK often results in faster recovery times for patients than traditional corneal transplants. While full healing can take several weeks, you will likely be able to resume regular activities after a few days of recovery.
However, recovery times can vary from patient to patient. Your eye doctor will provide you with specific postoperative care instructions and a schedule for when to return for follow-up appointments.
Based on how your eyes are healing, they will let you know when it's safe to resume activities like driving, working, and exercising.
While many keratoconus patients have enjoyed the benefits of CTAK, not everyone is a good candidate. Your ophthalmologist at Cornea Eye Institute will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the procedure is right for you.
This appointment will likely involve an eye exam, measurements of your corneas, a review of your symptoms, and a discussion of your visual goals. Certain factors that may disqualify you as a candidate for CTAK include:
The cost of CTAK varies based on healthcare providers and insurance coverage. Patients should consult their insurance companies regarding coverage details before undergoing CTAK.
For those without coverage, Cornea Eye Institute offers financing options to make treatment accessible.
Find Out if You're a Candidate for CTAK
Dr. Amir Moarefi is a fellowship-trained, board-certified ophthalmologist. After completing his medical education and specialized training at a Keratoconus Center of Excellence, Dr. Moarefi has become a recognized expert in advanced keratoconus treatments.
Dr. Moarefi brings extensive experience in Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK), and other innovative procedures that offer alternatives to traditional corneal transplantation. His specialized training allows him to provide personalized care for patients with even the most challenging keratoconus cases.
Recognized as a "Top Ophthalmologist" by Los Angeles Magazine, Dr. Moarefi is committed to helping patients achieve the best possible vision outcomes through the latest advancements in keratoconus care.
Request an Appointment
English 
Spanish