Regain Sensation with Corneal Reinnervation

When Every Doctor Just Treats Symptoms, We Offer What’s Next

If unexplained vision loss, frequent doctor visits, recurring eye infections, and an inability to perform normal daily activities have wreaked havoc on your life, there is still hope.

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Corneal Reinnervation Surgery — Protect Your Sight. Restore Sensation.

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You may qualify if you:

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What is Corneal Reinnervation Surgery?

Corneal reinnervation surgery, also called corneal neurotization, is a type of nerve reconstruction surgery that helps promote the regrowth of nerves in the cornea. During this procedure, a surgeon will transplant a healthy nerve axon graft from a different area of the body, such as your leg, to the affected cornea. With corneal neurotization surgery, the average time to regain sensation in the cornea is 6 to 9 months, with complete nerve regrowth after 12 months.

Corneal reinnervation surgery helps prevent further corneal complications, such as:

Non-healing corneal injuries and abrasions
Chronic eye infections
Corneal ulcers and scarring
Progressive vision loss
Permanent blindness

See Clearly. Heal Fully. Protect What Matters.

Living without corneal sensation means everyday injuries go unnoticed and untreated. Over time, that can lead to vision loss, chronic pain, or even blindness. Corneal reinnervation is the breakthrough surgery that restores sensations and saves sight worldwide.

Improve healing from chronic corneal damage.

Reduce your risk of long-term vision loss.

Protect your eyes from injury.

Don’t Wait for Vision Loss To Seek Answers

Corneal reinnervation surgery is most effective when performed before long-term damage sets in. Ideally, patients should be evaluated within 6–18 months of nerve injury, but even those with long-standing loss may still be candidates if the corneal structure remains intact.

Delaying care can lead to permanent scarring, ulcers, or vision loss. An early evaluation gives you the best chance at protecting your sight and restoring what others may have thought was gone for good.

Call: 833-883-9982

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Why Patients Around the World Trust The Institute

Global Leaders in Corneal Reinnervation

The Institute is one of the only centers globally performing corneal reinnervation.

Microsurgical Innovation That Restores Sight

Combining expertise in ophthalmology, neurosurgery, and peripheral nerve repair, The Institute pioneers microsurgical nerve procedures that few others can offer.

Recognized by Top Medical Authorities

Home to Castle Connolly Top Doctors, NJ Top Docs, and nationally published specialists.

Support for Traveling Patients

We help coordinate travel, lodging, and follow-up care for a seamless patient experience.

Your Path to Restored Sensation

Expert Evaluation

Your journey begins with a consultation from our nerve specialists, who review your history and symptoms to confirm if corneal reinnervation is right for you.

Diagnostic Testing

Advanced imaging and ophthalmologic testing help map your corneal health and guide a personalized surgical plan.

Reinnervation Surgery

In a delicate microsurgical procedure, donor nerves are connected to restore protective sensation to your eye.

Meet Our Expert Nerve Surgeons

When corneal sensation loss puts your vision at risk, you need surgeons with unmatched expertise in microsurgical nerve repair. Our specialists lead one of the world’s only dedicated programs for corneal reinnervation, restoring sight and hope where others cannot.

Select a Doctor

Joseph Dayan, MD, MBA, FACS
Zuhaib Ibrahim, MD, FACS
Deepak Ramesh, MD

Joseph Dayan, MD, MBA, FACS

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Board Certified in Plastic Surgery

Dr. Dayan is fellowship-trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in cross-facial nerve grafts and dynamic muscle transfers, helping patients regain natural smiles and facial expressions after paralysis.

Zuhaib Ibrahim, MD, FACS

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Board Certified in Plastic Surgery

Dr. Ibrahim is fellowship-trained in hand and face transplantation with advanced expertise in microsurgical nerve surgery. He specializes in restoring lost sensation through complex procedures like corneal reinnervation, helping patients protect their vision and quality of life.

Deepak Ramesh, MD

Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified in Ophthalmology

Dr. Deepak Ramesh is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced eyelid, orbital, and facial surgery expertise. He specializes in complex eye procedures, including corneal reinnervation, helping patients restore sensation and protect their long-term vision.

Traveling from Abroad?

Our dedicated team helps international patients coordinate travel, lodging, and medical care—ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience from consultation to recovery.

Call: 833-883-9982

Start Your Journey

Insurance & Financing

While insurance participation can vary by provider, physician, and procedure, The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction accepts many major insurance plans, including Horizon BCBS, Cigna, Horizon NJ Health, and Medicare. Our team will verify your benefits and guide you through every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is corneal reinnervation surgery?

It’s a delicate microsurgery that restores protective sensation to the cornea by reconnecting healthy donor nerves, helping the eye heal, and preventing further damage.

Am I a candidate for this surgery?

You may be eligible if you’ve lost corneal sensation due to surgery, trauma, infection, or a congenital condition—and still have intact corneal structure and visual potential.

Why is loss of corneal sensation dangerous?

Without feeling in the eye, small injuries go unnoticed and can lead to ulcers, infections, scarring, and eventually blindness.

How soon should I consider surgery?

The earlier the evaluation, the better. Many patients benefit within 6–18 months of nerve injury, but even those with long-standing loss may still qualify.

What is recovery like after surgery?

Most patients return home the same day or after a short stay. The eye heals gradually, and improved sensation may take several months to develop as the nerve regenerates.

Is the procedure safe?

Yes. While all surgeries carry some risk, corneal reinnervation is performed by highly specialized surgeons at one of the few centers worldwide offering this procedure.

Will insurance cover this surgery?

Coverage varies, but many insurers recognize the medical necessity of protecting vision. Our team will work with you to check your benefits and guide you through the process.