Why Chu Vision for Your Cornea Treatment?

  • Dr. Chu has decades of cornea treatment experience.
  • We offer expert treatment for keratoconus and corneal scarring.
  • The FDA has chosen Chu Vision to conduct over 100 clinical trials.
  • Dr. Chu has been featured on local and national TV interviews as an expert in ophthalmology.
  • Chu Vision is on the leading edge of corneal surgery procedures.

"Wow! At ninety years old, I got my eyesight back.

After years of slowly progressing into the shadow of darkness, a miracle happened. I met Dr. Chu, who said I was a candidate for a corneal transplant. Now I am reading the newspaper and watching TV without the help of 250 cheaters or a number 4 magnifier."

Sydney • Cornea Patient

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About Your Cornea The Eye’s Natural Lens

The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped structure that covers the front of the eye. A healthy cornea is clear and naturally curved in appearance. The rounded design of the cornea allows it to refract light into the retina so your eye can focus on both near and far away objects. If the cornea becomes swollen or misshapen due to injury or disease, light can be distorted or blocked. This can cause overall impairments to your sight.

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Personal Guidance Schedule a Free Consultation Now!

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Protect Your Eyesight With Regular Eye Exams

At Chu Vision Institute, we want our patients to maintain their best possible eyesight, so we advise everyone to have a comprehensive eye exam at least every other year. Routine vision exams are imperative to your total eye health, as we check for many conditions and impairments, including corneal irregularities. If corneal disease is detected during your eye exam, we offer numerous treatment options to limit further vision loss. Contact our team in Minneapolis, MN, today to schedule your exam so you can keep your ocular health in optimal condition.

Noticing Vision Changes? Trust Your Eyes to a Cornea Specialist

If you have observed changes in your vision, we recommend visiting our Bloomington, MN, office for a comprehensive eye exam. Conditions of the cornea can only be assessed and treated by a qualified professional, such as board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu.

He is highly experienced in addressing many corneal conditions that can cause vision loss, such as keratoconus, Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, and bullous keratopathy. Our caring team understands that all corneal conditions are unique based on each patient, so we will work to find the best treatment for you.

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How We Diagnose Corneal Disease

After you have arrived for your scheduled exam at Chu Vision Institute, one of our highly experienced optometrists will examine your eyes to search for signs of corneal disease, such as irregular eye shape, cloudy spots, and rough patches. We will also review your medical records, family history, and any current medications or previous surgeries. In addition, our team will perform a series of diagnostic tests to uncover any potential eye problems. At our state-of-the-art facility, we utilize some of the top technologies available in the industry. 

What Causes Corneal Disease?

Corneal disease is primarily genetically inherited, but injury or excessive eye rubbing can also be contributing factors. People with corneal disease typically experience blurred or distorted vision, eye swelling, irritation, glare, and sensitivity to light.

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Corneal Disease Treatments Tailored to You

At Chu Vision Institute, our team offers a range of both surgical and non-surgical treatments to address corneal conditions and protect your vision. For a damaged or unhealthy cornea, treatment options may include:

At your initial consultation, Dr. Ralph Chu will determine which treatment best suits your condition and develop a customized plan to restore and preserve your eyesight. 

Patient Reviews

I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...

Brenda H.

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!

Barb H.

My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!

Darcie N.

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years.  All annual appointments were done by caring professionals.   This year, the need for cata...

Linda U.

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...

Rick M.

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to.  They are so polite and caring.  Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable.   Gr...

JoEllen S.

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My  cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing!  They truly cared for...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...

Bridget V.
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Preserve Your Vision With Corneal Cross-Linking in the Twin Cities

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or progressive corneal thinning, corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a clinically proven way to stabilize your vision and prevent further damage. At Chu Vision Institute in Bloomington, we offer this FDA-approved treatment to patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across the Twin Cities.

CXL involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and activating them with controlled UV light. This strengthens the cornea by creating new bonds between collagen fibers. The procedure is quick—usually under an hour—and requires minimal downtime.

Is Cross-Linking Right for You?

CXL may be recommended for patients with:

  • Early to moderate keratoconus
  • Post-LASIK ectasia
  • Other corneal weakening conditions

Dr. Chu and our experienced team use advanced diagnostics to evaluate your corneal health and determine if CXL is the right path forward. Most patients return to daily activities within a few days and experience long-term visual stability, and in some cases, clearer vision.

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Take the First Step Toward Better Vision Schedule a Corneal Exam at Chu Vision Institute

A thorough eye exam is essential to detect any current or potential eye disease, including conditions of the cornea. Dr. Chu is highly qualified and experienced in diagnosing and treating sight impairments related to a range of corneal issues, including keratoconus and corneal scarring. If you have noticed changes in your eyesight, contact us in Bloomington, MN, to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping patients in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis, and St. Paul areas get on the path to better eye health.

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Cornea Treatment All Your Questions Answered

What are corneal diseases?

Corneal diseases are a variety of illnesses that damage the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye. After an injury or illness, the cornea can frequently heal by itself, but more severe conditions—infections, degenerative illnesses, and deterioration—will need to be treated.

Can bacteria cause a corneal infection?

As a result of bacteria or fungus getting within the cornea, keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, can occasionally develop along with an infection. These germs can enter the eye through a deep wound and cause corneal ulcers, inflammation, and infection. This kind of infection can also develop as a result of a contact lens-related injury, albeit it is rare.

What is ocular herpes?

Ocular herpes is a viral eye infection that can recur. The herpes simplex virus I (HSV I) is the primary cause of ocular herpes. Ocular herpes causes ulcers on the cornea’s surface that may scar and impair eyesight. The cornea and eye can become more deeply inflamed. Ocular herpes has no known treatment; however, antiviral medications can frequently control it.

Can shingles affect the eye?

In patients who have already experienced chickenpox, the herpes zoster virus can resurface, causing shingles. The chickenpox virus typically remains dormant in the body’s nerves after the onset. Later, it may move down these nerves and infect certain organs, such as the eye. Blisters or lesions on the eye, fever, and discomfort from damaged nerve fibers are all possible symptoms of herpes zoster. Corneal lesions often heal on their own, but antiviral medication may accelerate the process.

What causes corneal disease?

Corneal diseases can be caused by a number of things. Some diseases develop because of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. In other cases, age may be the cause. Cataract and intraocular lens implant surgery can also cause patients to develop bullous keratopathy in rare instances. Other factors that lead to the development of corneal diseases include heredity, contact lenses, eye trauma, certain eye diseases, and systemic diseases.

Can corneal damage be repaired?

Many corneal problems can be effectively addressed with corrective lenses, over-the-counter eye drops, or prescription medications. Some patients require additional therapies, such as phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). With cutting-edge laser technology, PTK reshapes the cornea, removes scar tissue, and restores eyesight clarity. This may be required if corneal dystrophy has advanced to the point of considerable vision loss or if a corneal injury or infection has left behind permanent scarring that seriously compromises vision. A cornea transplant is another possibility for treatment if your cornea can’t be repaired with other options.

What are the signs of corneal disease?

The cornea typically heals following the majority of injuries or diseases due to its capacity for fast restoration. However, if the cornea is severely damaged, the healing process may take longer, which could lead to a number of symptoms, such as:

  • Pain
  • Distorted vision
  • Tearing
  • Redness
  • Extreme light sensitivity
  • Scarring on the cornea
If you encounter any of these signs, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. They can identify a more serious issue or a condition that needs specialized care.

How common is corneal disease?

There are several common types of corneal diseases. Corneal transplants are the most common type of transplant surgery. While some types of corneal diseases are rare, others, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, keratoconus, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, and lattice dystrophy, are the most common.

Can you go blind if your cornea is damaged?

Your vision and eye health are greatly affected by your corneas. Because of this, severe corneal injury and advanced corneal disease can cause vision loss and even blindness. However, there are medications, individualized laser treatments, and corneal transplants available. New stem cell treatments are also being researched. These treatments can help stop vision loss before it worsens or prevent it from becoming a major issue.

Can laser surgery fix corneal scarring?

Many people who develop corneal scarring for any reason may be informed that there is no cure. However, more recent laser procedures known as “phototherapeutic keratectomy” (PTK) can smooth out the cornea’s distorted structure while also removing opacities. The advanced LASIK procedures use the same excimer laser technology as this one. Based on the location and degree of the damage produced by the scarring, advanced diagnostic imaging will assist in creating the specific therapy profile for each scar. PTK is designed with the goal of reducing your need for glasses or contact lenses. For individuals who have developed corneal scarring due to problems with their contacts, this is fantastic news. In order to completely eliminate the requirement for contact lenses, the other healthy eye will typically be treated concurrently with LASIK.

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