Cornea Specialist in Walnut Creek — Transplant & Ocular Surface Care
Fellowship-trained care for corneal disease: Fuchs' dystrophy, corneal scarring, keratoconus, dry eye, and pterygium — including DMEK, DSEK, and full-thickness transplantation.
Vahid Feiz, MD completed a fellowship in cornea and laser refractive surgery at the University of California, Davis, and treats the full range of corneal disease in Walnut Creek: Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, corneal scars and infections, keratoconus, severe dry eye, and pterygium. He performs partial-thickness endothelial transplants (DMEK and DSEK) and full-thickness transplants (PKP), as well as pterygium surgery, choosing the least invasive procedure that will restore vision. Surgery is performed at Aspen Surgery Center.
Conditions treated
Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
Progressive loss of the cornea's inner pump cells, causing morning blur and swelling that worsens over years. Treated with DMEK or DSEK — often combined with cataract surgery in a single procedure.
Corneal scars, infections & ulcers
From contact lens wear, injury, herpes simplex or zoster, or prior surgery. Medical treatment first; transplantation when scarring permanently limits vision.
Keratoconus
Progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, usually appearing in the teens or twenties. Dr. Feiz diagnoses and monitors it, manages vision with specialty contact lenses, refers for cross-linking when progression needs to be halted, and performs transplantation in advanced cases.
Dry eye & ocular surface disease
Beyond artificial tears: prescription anti-inflammatory therapy, punctal plugs, meibomian gland treatment, and stabilization of the ocular surface before any refractive or cataract surgery.
Pterygium
A fleshy growth extending onto the cornea, common in people who spend time outdoors. Removed with a graft technique that substantially lowers the chance of recurrence.
Problems after LASIK or cataract surgery
Flap complications, epithelial ingrowth, unexpected refractive outcomes, corneal swelling, and dislocated lens implants. A frequent reason for referral from other practices.
Corneal transplantation
| Procedure | What is replaced | Typical use | Visual recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMEK | Innermost cell layer only, no support tissue | Fuchs' dystrophy, endothelial failure | Weeks |
| DSEK | Inner layer with a thin layer of support tissue | Endothelial failure in complex or previously operated eyes | 1–3 months |
| PKP | Full thickness of the cornea | Deep scars, perforations, advanced keratoconus, failed grafts | 6–18 months |
Partial-thickness techniques have replaced full-thickness transplantation for most patients, with faster recovery and lower rejection rates. Knowing which to use, and when a full-thickness graft is still the right answer, is the core of a cornea fellowship.
For referring doctors
We welcome referrals for corneal disease, complex cataract, post-refractive-surgery problems, and second opinions, and we return patients to you for ongoing care. Call the office or fax records; urgent corneal cases are seen promptly.
Request a corneal consultationCall 925-705-7299
Frequently asked questions
What does a cornea specialist treat?
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. A cornea specialist manages Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, corneal scars and infections, keratoconus, severe dry eye and ocular surface disease, pterygium, corneal complications of contact lenses or prior surgery, and performs corneal transplantation and laser refractive surgery.
Which corneal transplants does Dr. Feiz perform?
DMEK and DSEK — partial-thickness transplants that replace only the inner cell layer — and PKP (penetrating keratoplasty), a full-thickness transplant. He chooses the least invasive procedure that will restore your vision.
Do you perform corneal cross-linking?
No. Dr. Feiz diagnoses and manages keratoconus and will refer you to a cross-linking provider when that treatment is indicated, then continue your care afterward.
Do you see referrals from other eye doctors?
Yes. Optometrists and general ophthalmologists throughout the East Bay refer corneal disease, complex cataracts, and post-refractive-surgery problems to Dr. Feiz, and patients are returned to the referring doctor for ongoing care. Patients can also self-refer.
Where is corneal surgery performed?
At Aspen Surgery Center, with all consultations and follow-up at our Walnut Creek office.