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CorneaGen Debuts CTAK for Treatment of Keratoconus

CorneaGen has unveiled CTAK (Corneal Tissue Addition for Keratoplasty), a new treatment for keratoconus that uses custom-designed, gamma-irradiated corneal tissue segments.

Revolutionary Treatment for Keratoconus:
Introducing CTAK by CorneaGen

June 4, 2024
David Hutton

Revolutionary Treatment for Keratoconus: Introducing CTAK by CorneaGen

CorneaGen has recently introduced an innovative treatment option for keratoconus called Corneal Tissue Addition for Keratoplasty (CTAK). This breakthrough solution aims to enhance corneal contouring specifically for keratoconic eyes, providing a significant advancement in keratoconus management.

About CTAK

CTAK was developed in collaboration with CTAK LLC and Ziemer. It features patient-ready, gamma-irradiated sterile corneal tissue segments that are non-immunogenic. These tissue segments are laser cut and custom-designed to match the specific cone severity and location of each patient’s keratoconus. This customization ensures a tailored approach to treatment, optimizing outcomes for patients.

Advantages of CTAK

One of the key benefits of CTAK is its ability to save time in the operating room while maximizing the use of corneal donations. Bernie Iliakis, president and CEO of CorneaGen, expressed the company’s excitement about the potential of CTAK to transform the lives of keratoconus patients. “We have a long history as innovators and tissue processing leaders. CTAK represents a true treatment advancement while honoring and maximizing the gift of corneal donation,” Iliakis stated.

Immediate Vision Improvements

Dr. William Wiley, medical director at the Cleveland Eye Clinic Division of Midwest Vision Partners, highlighted the immediate positive effects of the CTAK procedure. Patients often experience significant improvements in both best corrected and uncorrected vision right after the surgery. “This immediate improvement at the first follow-up is an exciting experience for those dealing with keratoconus,” Dr. Wiley noted.

Innovative Collaboration

The development of CTAK is a result of the collaborative efforts of CorneaGen and its partners. The co-inventors of CTAK, including Dr. Peter S. Hersh, Dr. Steven Greenstein, and Dr. John Gelles, have played a pivotal role in advancing this treatment. Dr. Hersh emphasized the transformative impact of working with innovative partners like CorneaGen and Ziemer. “We’re able to improve patient vision, reducing the recovery time and risk compared to a corneal transplant,” he added.

CorneaGen’s Commitment to Eye Health

Beyond product and tissue processing innovations, CorneaGen is deeply involved in patient advocacy, supporting tens of thousands of patients annually. In 2023 alone, CorneaGen provided more than 32,500 sight-restoring grafts and partnered with over 25 eye, organ, and tissue banks to meet the corneal transplant needs in the U.S. and nearly 50 other countries worldwide.

The launch of CTAK by CorneaGen marks a significant milestone in the treatment of keratoconus. With its customized approach and immediate vision improvement, CTAK is set to revolutionize how keratoconus is managed, offering new hope to patients around the globe.

At Keratoconus Specialists of Maryland, we are renowned for our advanced keratoconus treatments and personalized care. With over 40 years of combined experience, our expert eye doctors leverage cutting-edge technologies and tailored treatment plans to address the unique challenges of keratoconus. Our commitment to excellence and patient-focused approach ensures that each individual receives the highest level of eye care, helping them achieve clear and comfortable vision.

 

Schedule a Consultation Today

Contact our office today to learn about the keratoconus treatments and see if it’s the right option for you. We offer personalized consultations with Dr. Azman, a leading keratoconus specialist, to discuss your unique needs and determine the proper treatments to regain clear vision and a better quality of life.

Don’t let keratoconus control your life. Take the first step towards seeing clearly again.



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Ty Phan
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I feel incredibly lucky to have found Dr. Benjamin Azman. He took excellent care of my right eye and recommended a scleral lens that works perfectly—honestly, it’s now even better than my left eye. My vision has improved so much, and the difference has been life-changing for me. Dr. Azman is knowledgeable, patient, and truly cares about his patients’ outcomes. I’m very grateful for his treatment and expertise, and I highly recommend him to anyone dealing with complex vision issues.
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Kelly Oliver
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This is hands down the most kind and caring doctors office I’ve ever been to. Dr. Azman was very knowledgeable and was determined to solve my blurry vision issue that other docs kept brushing off. They also got me an appointment very quickly as well. Highly recommended!!
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Mahad Quraishi
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Dr. Azman helped me see better when I felt like all options were lost. He really takes care of his patients. I recommend.
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andy zuercher
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Azman Eye Care took me on as a client and has done a great job of making me feel at home! Dr Azman offered a new type custom sclerl lens for my eyes, while this was above my insurance, this has been hands down one of the best purchases I have had for my eyes. Thanks to Dr Azman I can now comfortably be in my contacts longer with less eye irritation. Thank you Azman Eye Care!
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Mia Perry
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After going to the eye doctor and failing all of the test I was diagnosed with Keratoconus in 2016. I guess I couldn’t accept the diagnosis, I didn’t want to wear contacts so I didn’t. At that time the Keratoconus hadn’t advanced. I went to a prominent eye doctor and I was able to get prescription glasses for many years. I looked at it like this, I spent most of my life trying to keep things out of my eyes why would I make things more complicated just get glasses you can’t do it, get those contacts in that is. From 2016 until 2021 I was able to get prescription glasses. I went in for my annual eye exam and I didn't do so well, that is when I found out that they could no longer make my prescription. So now my vision is horrible, the sun is my enemy and I can’t get any more glasses. Did I mention that I walked around squinting for 4 years!! Yess stupid and dangerous making all types of mistakes! I couldn’t take it anymore I am scanning the internet on what I can do where I can go, I can’t see!! The only place that I found in the DMV that specializes in Keratoconus was Azman Eye Care so I called Dr. Azman back,( reluctantly) I felt embarrassed & ashamed that I basically wasted those super expensive contact lenses that I had before & disappeared, now I needed to get them again. Dr. Azman & his staff AMAZING!! Welcomed me back like I had never left. Please keep in mind 4 years I went through hell at home, work on the road, everywhere!! Guys it’s been a journey! I can’t even tell you all the near accidents! My poor husband won’t let me drive anywhere!!! So I finally came in for an appointment 2025. Dr. Azman put these temporary lens on me and told me this is what my vision will look like, I broke down like a person that was blind and now I have sight!! I am serious a whole new world!! I didn’t think it was possible! My God!! I can see!! 20/20 yayyyy!! Joanne bless her🙏🏾 I would not have been able to do this without her! I have spent almost 60 years of my life keeping stuff out of my eyes so this gave me stress & anxiety! Joanne worked with me she is so patient, encouraging all of it!! ( I love her) The same exact way she was in 2016 she hasn’t changed a bit none of them!! If you have Keratoconus Azman Eye Care Specialist is the only place to go!!! I promise you You will see again🩷
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Jean Dieudonné
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Dauryn Ramirez
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I live in Pennsylvania and had a lot of trouble finding a good doctor in my area, I called my insurance and they recommended Dr. Azman. At first I was hesitant because the office is almost 4 hours away, but I had recently had the cross-linking procedure done and needed scleral lenses and I couldn't find them in PA, so I took a change and went to see Dr. Azman and it changed my life. I was able to get my lenses and the process was easy and simple.
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Stinger Guala
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I highly recommend this place. It is a long drive for me but has been well worth it. My eyes require a high level of skill to treat and I have to say that they are the best that I have ever dealt with - over 30 years of dealing with my Keratoconus. Everyone was exceptionally competent and Dr. Azman produced exceptional results.
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Stephanie Howard
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I have had eye issues for a while and was afraid of possibly not being able to see. I was beyond blessed and now can see 20/20 again. The doctors and staff are amazing. Highly recommend
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Kyle Ruder
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Dr. Azman was incredibly thorough during my first appointment and completed a holistic assessment of my eye health. He shared his finding with me, all of which aligned with my history and past experiences, and discussed which treatment options would be best suited to improve my vision AND eye comfort. I ended up moving forward with Scleral contact lenses and they were a true game changer. There was a learning curve to putting in these large lenses, but the staff was so patient with me as they taught me proper insertion and removal technique. If you've ever suffered from dry, itchy eyes Dr. Azman is your man!