Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK)
A New Approach to Treating Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia
Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to improve vision in patients with keratoconus and other forms of corneal ectasia. Rather than removing tissue like traditional corneal transplants, CTAK works by adding customized donor tissue to reshape and strengthen the cornea.
This advanced technique allows for improved vision while preserving your natural cornea and reducing recovery time.
What is CTAK?
CTAK uses a small, precisely shaped piece of donor corneal tissue (called an inlay) that is customized to your eye’s unique shape and needs.
- The donor tissue is sterile, gamma-irradiated, and biocompatible
- A femtosecond laser is used to design and create the tissue implant
- The inlay is placed into a microscopic pocket within the cornea created by a femtosecond laser
Once in position, the tissue helps restore a more natural corneal shape, improving how light focuses on the eye and enhancing vision.
How CTAK Improves Vision
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted and blurry vision. CTAK works by:
- Adding thickness to weakened areas of the cornea
- Flattening and regularizing the corneal surface
- Reducing irregular astigmatism
- Improving overall visual clarity
Unlike traditional corneal transplants, CTAK preserves your natural corneal tissue, which can lead to faster healing and fewer complications.
Who is a Candidate for CTAK?
CTAK may be recommended for patients with:
- Keratoconus
- Post-LASIK ectasia
- Corneal thinning or irregularity
CTAK is often a preferred alternative to a corneal transplant.
What to Expect During the Procedure
CTAK is performed using advanced laser technology and typically involves:
- Mapping your cornea using detailed imaging
- Designing a custom donor tissue implant
- Creating a small pocket within the cornea
- Inserting the tissue inlay to reshape the cornea
The procedure is precise, highly customized, and designed to optimize your visual outcome.
CTAK vs. Corneal Cross-Linking
While both treatments are used for keratoconus, they serve different purposes:
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): Stabilizes the cornea and slows progression
CTAK: Reshapes the cornea to improve vision
In many cases, these treatments can be complementary, with cross-linking used to halt progression and CTAK used to improve visual quality.
A Modern Alternative to Corneal Transplant
For many patients, CTAK offers a way to improve vision without undergoing a full corneal transplant. By reinforcing and reshaping the cornea instead of replacing it, CTAK provides a more conservative and tissue-preserving approach to treating corneal disease.
If you have keratoconus or have been told you may need a corneal transplant, CTAK may be an option for you.
Schedule a consultation with our cornea specialists to learn whether this advanced treatment is right for your eyes.
