Central Cloudy Corneal Dystrophy |
Fuchs
Endothelial Dystrophy
Granular Corneal
Dystrophy
Lattice Corneal Dystrophy |
Macular Dystrophy
Meesmann's Corneal Dystrophy
|
Posterior Polymorphous Dystrophy
Reis-Bucklers
Dystrophy | Schnyder's Corneal Dystrophy
The Cornea: An Overview
The cornea is a clear cover over the surface of the eye that protects the inner workings of the eye from the outside world. The five basic layers of the cornea are the epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s membrane and endothelium. The top layer is called the epithelium and is analogous to the skin on the rest of the body. The cornea is also the most sensitive structure in the body because of the vast number of nerves it contains. The cornea’s transparency is a result of a regular network of collagen fibers. Anything which affects this regularity results in loss of the transparency which is essential for good corneal function and health.
What is Corneal Dystrophy?
Corneal dystrophies are a non-inflammatory, non-infectious group of rare disorders that run in families. Both eyes are usually affected. Signs of the dystrophy may be present at birth, but more frequently develop during adolescence and progress gradually throughout life. Some forms are mild, others are severe.
Kurt A. Buzard, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Kurt Buzard is one of the nation’s leading corneal and refractive specialists. He holds an advanced degree in physics from Stanford University. This provides Dr. Buzard invaluable insight and has assisted greatly with his scientific investigations. Dr. Buzard’s background includes a fouryear residency at Jules Stein Institute and UCLA, followed by a Fellowship in corneal and refractive surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital.
Dr. Buzard studied corneal disorders with Dr. Richard Troutman, who is one of the foremost authorities in this field. Dr. Buzard himself has conducted extensive research into corneal and refractive disorders. His work has contributed significantly to scientific advancements in this area.
Dr. Buzard has assisted in developing many of the modern treatments for corneal and refractive problems, including new procedures for permanent correction of astigmatism. Additionally, Dr. Buzard developed new techniques for producing “optical quality” results for patients who undergo transplant surgery.
Dr. Buzard has been in Las Vegas with a practice limited to corneal/refractive surgery since 1986. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society of Refractive Keratoplasty, and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
Dr. Buzard was recently named among the top ophthalmologists in the nation for the year 2002 - 2003 by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.
