CTAK Expands Surgeon Access: Procedure Now Compatible with Zeimer GALILEI platform  

July 24, 2025

CTAK Expands Surgeon Access: Procedure Now Compatible with Zeimer GALILEI platform 

Corneal Tissue Addition for Keratoplasty (CTAK), the groundbreaking solution for contouring keratoconic eyes, has taken a major step forward in accessibility with the recent integration with Zeimer GALILEI technology. Until now, CTAK’s compatibility was limited to ophthalmology clinics using the OCULUS Pentacam® to assess the surface of a patient’s eye – specifically the severity and location of the cone shape, the hallmark sign of keratoconus.

“The integration of CTAK with the Ziemer GALILEI diagnostic platform marks a significant step forward in the precision and personalization of keratoconus treatment,” said Dr. Peter S. Hersh, MD, originator of CTAK.  “By combining high-resolution corneal tomography with laser-guided stromal inlay preparation, we can deliver an anatomically optimized and patient-specific approach to corneal reshaping. Such technological innovation moves us to safer, more predictable, and meaningful improvements in visual function for patients with keratoconus.”

After nearly a decade of development, CTAK was commercially launched by CorneaGen in 2024 and continues to gain momentum in the industry, helping surgeons transcend the traditional standards of care in treating keratoconus. CorneaGen is the exclusive provider of the custom, patient-ready tissue inlays for the CTAK procedure.

“At CorneaGen, our mission goes beyond innovating affordable technologies and treatments – it’s about expanding access to innovations for patients around the world,” said Bernie Iliakis, CEO of CorneaGen. “Our partnership with Ziemer and the integration of their advanced GALILEI imaging systems mark a pivotal step in this journey.”

The GALILEI CTAK Software is now available and requires a system update to surgeon’s existing GALILEI platform. David Bragg, President of Ziemer USA, said, “We are thrilled to complete our product offering for CTAK patients. With the addition of the Galilei CTAK software, in combination with our FEMTO Z8 LDV femtosecond laser platform, we can now provide surgeons and patients with a fully integrated surgical solution aimed at restoring vision and improving outcomes.”

In the coming months, CorneaGen will partner with a cohort of surgeons using the Zeimer GALILEI diagnostic platform to integrate the procedure into their practice, making high-quality, personalized keratoconus treatment more widely available.

In addition, CorneaGen will continue to make progress on the expansion of CTAK’s global footprint. With nearly 20% of ASCRS wet lab participants practicing outside the U.S., there is significant opportunity for continued global growth.

By making CTAK platform-agnostic and expanding globally, CorneaGen expects increased adoption of CTAK across academic centers, ambulatory surgery centers, and private practices worldwide. As more surgeons gain access to its capabilities, the future of keratoconus treatment looks increasingly precise, personalized, and patient-centered.