CTAK, or Corneal Tissue Addition for Keratoplasty, is an innovative procedure designed to treat keratoconus by adding customized tissue to improve corneal shape and vision.
Corneal Tissue Addition for Keratoplasty (CTAK) is an innovative procedure developed specifically to address the challenges of keratoconus by adding customized corneal tissue to improve corneal curvature and vision. This technique offers a less invasive alternative to traditional corneal transplant surgeries by preserving the patient’s natural cornea while reshaping it with a precision tissue inlay. Our eye doctors are proud to offer CTAK as a promising solution for patients seeking improved quality of vision and enhanced corneal topography.
CTAK is a specialized form of lamellar keratoplasty that involves inserting a precise, patient-specific tissue inlay into the cornea. The aim is to add thickness and alter the corneal curvature, thereby mitigating the irregularities caused by keratoconus. Unlike traditional corneal transplants, CTAK does not remove any of the patient’s natural tissue but instead augments it to create a more regular dome shape and improve visual acuity.
The journey of CTAK began at the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute, where our eye doctors and researchers sought a better solution for patients with the progressive thinning seen in keratoconus. Early clinical trials that started in 2016 demonstrated that using a customized, gamma-irradiated corneal stromal inlay could not only reshape the cornea but also enhance visual performance significantly. Over the years, CTAK has garnered attention in notable publications, confirming its safety, efficacy, and role as a breakthrough in the management of keratoconus.
Contact us today to find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you who offers CTAK and start your journey towards clearer vision.
At the heart of the CTAK procedure is the integration of advanced femtosecond laser technology and cutting-edge tissue processing. Our eye doctors begin by creating a detailed corneal map using precise topography devices that capture the unique curvature, cone location, and shape of each patient’s cornea. With this information, a customized surgical plan is developed to determine the exact dimensions of the tissue inlay needed to flatten the steep cone characteristic of keratoconus.
Before the procedure, patients undergo several mapping tests to assess the cornea’s thickness, curvature, and the exact location of the cone. Based on these measurements, a personalized surgical plan is formulated using advanced software designed specifically for CTAK procedures. During this phase, patients receive numbing drops to ensure comfort, and our eye doctors explain every step to make sure the patient feels at ease throughout the process.
The femtosecond laser plays a crucial role in both the preparation of the tissue inlay and the creation of the channel within the patient’s cornea. This state-of-the-art laser is capable of producing ultra-precise cuts, shaping the preserved corneal tissue inlay to match the patient’s unique needs. Additionally, the same laser is used to create a matching stromal channel in the patient’s cornea, ensuring that the inlay fits perfectly, thus maintaining natural corneal integrity while improving contour and clarity.
Once the corneal channel is prepared and the tissue inlay is customized with exact specifications—including width, thickness, and subtended angle—the inlay is carefully inserted into the channel. This process adds structural support to the weakened cornea and works to flatten the cone shape, resulting in smoother corneal topography. The entire insertion process is quick, generally taking less than 30 minutes, and minimizes the disruption of the natural corneal tissue.
CTAK offers several distinct benefits that make it an attractive alternative to more invasive procedures like traditional corneal transplants. One of the most significant benefits of CTAK is the preservation of the patient’s natural cornea, which often leads to a faster recovery and a lower risk of rejection. By adding sterilized, gamma-irradiated tissue, our eye doctors can achieve structural improvement while reducing potential complications.
Contact us today to find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you who offers CTAK and start your journey towards clearer vision.
CTAK offers a less invasive solution for keratoconus, enhancing vision through customized corneal tissue addition. Find a top ophthalmologist near you.
