At Illinois Eye Center, our goal is to provide the best possible care to every patient who walks through our doors. That’s why we’re excited to share the latest developments from Dr. Evan Pike, one of our leading specialists in corneal disease and surgery. With the help of our partners at the University of Iowa and Eversight, Dr. Pike is using an innovative new technique to help patients with serious corneal conditions regain their vision safely and more effectively.
In the video shown below, Dr. Pike takes us behind the scenes to show how he’s applying these new methods, which represent some of the most advanced treatments available in modern eye care. By using a preloaded graft delivery system known as the DMEK Jones Tube Technique, Dr. Pike is transforming the way we approach corneal transplants, making the procedure smoother, safer, and more precise.
What is a Corneal Transplant and Why is it Needed?
For those who aren’t familiar, the cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. It plays a crucial role in focusing light, allowing you to see clearly. When the cornea becomes damaged or diseased—due to conditions like Fuchs’ Dystrophy or other degenerative diseases—vision can become cloudy, making daily activities challenging or even impossible.
That’s where corneal transplants come in. By replacing the damaged tissue with healthy donor tissue, doctors like Dr. Pike can restore clarity to the eye and dramatically improve vision. The specific type of transplant Dr. Pike performs is called Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), which targets only the innermost layer of the cornea. This highly specialized procedure offers faster recovery and better visual outcomes compared to older techniques.
What’s New About Dr. Pike’s Approach?
Dr. Pike’s technique is unique because he uses a pre-stained, preloaded donor graft—prepared in collaboration with Eversight, a global leader in eye banking. Eversight’s innovative preparation method involves loading the graft (the donor corneal tissue) into a small tube, known as the Jones Tube, before surgery. This eliminates the need for complex handling of the delicate graft in the operating room, which can be a major source of complications.
For patients, this means a shorter surgery time, fewer risks, and a more efficient procedure overall. By the time Dr. Pike is ready to insert the graft into the patient’s eye, it’s already prepared and loaded, which helps reduce the chance of tissue damage and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. It’s a major leap forward in terms of both safety and precision.
How Does This Benefit Patients?
Dr. Pike’s work with the University of Iowa and Eversight has made the procedure safer and more predictable, which directly benefits our patients here in Peoria. By using the preloaded DMEK Jones Tube Technique, Dr. Pike can minimize the number of steps needed during surgery, meaning there is less time spent manipulating the delicate tissue. This approach also allows for better control when placing the graft inside the eye, reducing the risk of complications and improving recovery times.
For our patients, this translates to a faster procedure, a smoother recovery, and, ultimately, a better chance of achieving clearer vision. Patients often experience a quicker return to normal activities, with fewer restrictions and a higher quality of life after surgery.
Why Partnership Matters
None of these advancements would be possible without the support of visionary partners. Dr. Pike credits the University of Iowa for helping him refine his skills and master this technique. Their world-renowned eye program has been at the forefront of corneal research for decades, offering invaluable insights and training. Similarly, Eversight’s commitment to quality and innovation in eye banking has enabled Illinois Eye Center to use the most advanced technology available for tissue preparation.
Eversight’s pre-stained, preloaded graft system is a game-changer, making the procedure easier to perform while ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality tissue. The graft comes pre-sized and ready to go, which eliminates one of the trickiest parts of traditional DMEK surgery. This means that patients at Illinois Eye Center benefit from a safer and more efficient procedure, all thanks to the hard work of our dedicated partners.
A Brighter Future for Corneal Patients
Dr. Pike’s dedication to his patients and his passion for advancing the field of eye care are evident in every step of his work. With the support of the University of Iowa and Eversight, Illinois Eye Center is proud to offer these cutting-edge techniques to patients in our community. By staying at the forefront of corneal transplant surgery, we’re able to provide life-changing results for people suffering from serious eye conditions.
At Illinois Eye Center, we believe that every patient deserves access to the latest and most effective treatments available. Thanks to Dr. Pike’s leadership and our partnerships, we’re transforming the way corneal disease is treated—giving our patients the gift of clearer vision and a brighter future.
If you or a loved one is struggling with vision loss due to corneal disease, reach out to us today to learn more about our advanced surgical options. The doctors of Illinois Eye Center are here to help you see a world of possibilities once again.