Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK)
Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK)
Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK) is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedure now offered at Focus Eye Care in Queens and New York City. This innovative treatment is designed to strengthen and reshape the cornea for patients with keratoconus or other corneal thinning disorders. Dr. Neelofar Ghaznawi is the first ophthalmologist in NYC to perform this groundbreaking procedure, helping patients preserve their vision and potentially avoid the need for a corneal transplant. Our team provides personalized, compassionate care and will guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
CTAK is a next-generation surgical option that helps restore corneal stability and improve visual function without removing tissue. Instead of reshaping the cornea by cutting or ablating, the surgeon adds precisely shaped, sterilized corneal tissue segments into microscopic channels within the patient’s cornea. This approach strengthens the cornea, smooths its surface, and can reduce irregular astigmatism and visual distortion caused by keratoconus.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, early studies suggest that CTAK can improve corneal thickness and stability, offering a potential alternative to corneal transplantation for selected patients.
Trusted Source
Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty May Offer a New Approach to Keratoconus
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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What Does CTAK Treat?
CTAK is primarily used to treat keratoconus and other forms of corneal thinning or ectasia that lead to irregular vision. These conditions cause the cornea to weaken and bulge outward, distorting light as it enters the eye. Traditional treatments such as rigid contact lenses or cross-linking may slow progression, but some patients require additional structural support to restore vision quality.
CTAK for Keratoconus
In keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and becomes cone-shaped, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. CTAK helps by adding tissue where the cornea is weakest, improving its shape and biomechanical strength. The result can be better visual clarity and reduced dependence on rigid lenses.
CTAK for Post-Surgical Ectasia
In rare cases, corneal thinning may occur after refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK. CTAK can help stabilize the cornea in these patients by reinforcing weakened tissue, reducing irregular astigmatism, and supporting overall corneal integrity.
Trusted Source
Treatment Spotlight: Understanding CTAK
National Keratoconus Foundation
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2
How Does CTAK Work?
The CTAK procedure enhances the cornea’s shape and biomechanical strength by inserting ultra-thin allogeneic corneal tissue segments into laser-created channels. These tissue segments integrate naturally with the patient’s corneal structure, adding volume and symmetry where thinning has occurred.
Unlike corneal transplants, which replace the entire central cornea, CTAK preserves most of the patient’s natural tissue. This makes it a minimally invasive alternative that can delay or prevent the need for full-thickness keratoplasty.
Studies reviewed by the National Keratoconus Foundation indicate that CTAK can improve corneal curvature, visual acuity, and overall optical quality in appropriately selected patients.
Preparing for CTAK Surgery
Before undergoing CTAK, patients meet with Dr. Ghaznawi for a detailed consultation and corneal mapping. During this visit, advanced imaging and topography are used to determine the severity of keratoconus and the most appropriate treatment plan.
If CTAK is recommended, you’ll receive detailed pre-surgery instructions, including how to prepare your eyes and medications to avoid. Since you will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure, plan for transportation home in advance.
The CTAK Procedure
CTAK is performed in an outpatient setting and generally takes less than an hour. After applying numbing eye drops, Dr. Ghaznawi uses a femtosecond laser to create a customized corneal channel. A carefully shaped donor tissue segment is then inserted into this channel through a micro-incision. The addition of this tissue helps reinforce and reshape the cornea from within.
The procedure is designed to be quick, comfortable, and minimally invasive. Once the tissue is positioned, a protective contact lens is placed on the eye to aid healing. Patients can typically return home the same day.
Recovery After CTAK
Following CTAK surgery, most patients experience mild irritation or light sensitivity for a few days. Prescription eye drops are provided to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. You’ll have several follow-up appointments so Dr. Ghaznawi can monitor healing and corneal stability.
Vision often improves gradually over the following weeks as the tissue integrates with the cornea. Patients are advised to avoid eye rubbing, strenuous activity, and swimming until cleared by their doctor.
CTAK recovery is typically faster than traditional corneal transplant recovery, with fewer complications and no sutures required.
FAQs About CTAK Surgery
You may be a candidate if you have keratoconus or corneal ectasia that has not responded adequately to contact lenses or cross-linking. A detailed exam and corneal imaging are required to determine suitability.
Crosslinking strengthens existing corneal collagen, while CTAK adds new tissue to restore structure and improve shape. Some patients benefit from both procedures, depending on disease progression.
The added tissue integrates with your natural cornea for long-term stability, but results depend on individual healing and disease progression. Regular monitoring remains essential.
Because CTAK is a newer procedure, coverage may vary by provider. Our staff can assist you with insurance verification and financing options.
No. The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, and most patients report only mild discomfort during recovery.
Contact Us
If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or another corneal thinning disorder and are seeking advanced treatment options, Focus Eye Care in Queens and New York City can help. Dr. Ghaznawi is the first ophthalmologist in NYC to perform CTAK, offering patients access to the latest innovations in corneal restoration.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty may be right for you.
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty May Offer a New Approach to Keratoconus. Available at: https://www.aao.org/education/editors-choice/corneal-tissue-addition-keratoplasty-may-offer-new. Accessed October 7, 2025.
2 National Keratoconus Foundation. Treatment Spotlight: Understanding CTAK. Available at: https://nkcf.org/treatment-spotlight-understanding-ctak/. Accessed October 7, 2025.
The doctors at Focus Eye Care & Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.
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