How Do You Treat Keratoconus? Comprehensive Guide

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the eye, causing the cornea to thin and bulge outwards into a cone shape. This change in shape can lead to distorted vision and sensitivity to light. Understanding how to treat keratoconus is essential to managing the condition and preserving your vision. In this article, we will explore the various treatments available for keratoconus, how they work, and when they might be recommended.

What Is Keratoconus?

Before diving into treatment options, it’s important to understand what keratoconus is. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. It plays a key role in focusing light onto the retina, allowing you to see clearly. In keratoconus, the cornea becomes thinner and starts to bulge into a cone shape. This abnormal shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to distorted vision. The exact cause of keratoconus isn’t known, but it’s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?

Keratoconus is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. An eye specialist will use several tests to measure the shape and thickness of the cornea. These tests may include corneal topography, which maps the surface of the cornea, and pachymetry, which measures its thickness. Early diagnosis is crucial because it allows for more treatment options and better management of the condition.

Glasses and Contact Lenses

In the early stages of keratoconus, vision problems can often be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. These treatments work by compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea, helping to focus light properly on the retina. However, as keratoconus progresses and the cornea becomes more irregular, glasses and soft contact lenses may no longer provide adequate vision correction. In such cases, other types of contact lenses may be recommended.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are a common treatment for moderate keratoconus. Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses are made of a firm material that holds its shape on the eye. This helps to create a smooth, regular surface on the cornea, improving vision. RGP lenses can be custom-made to fit the unique shape of your cornea. However, they may take some time to get used to, as they can initially feel uncomfortable.

What is the Role of an Ophthalmologist in Eye Care?

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are another option for treating keratoconus. These lenses are larger than standard lenses and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, rather than directly on the cornea. Because of their size, scleral lenses vault over the irregular cornea, providing a smooth surface for light to pass through. This can result in clearer vision and increased comfort, especially for those who struggle with RGP lenses.

Corneal Cross-Linking

Corneal cross-linking is a procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of keratoconus. During the procedure, riboflavin (a type of vitamin B) is applied to the cornea, followed by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This combination helps to strengthen the collagen fibres in the cornea, making it more rigid and less likely to bulge. Corneal cross-linking is usually recommended for patients whose keratoconus is progressing, as it can help to stabilise the condition and prevent further deterioration of vision.

Intacs

Intacs are small, curved plastic inserts that are surgically placed into the cornea to flatten its shape. This can help to reduce the cone shape of the cornea and improve vision. Intacs are typically used for mild to moderate keratoconus and can be combined with other treatments, such as contact lenses, for better results. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be an effective option for those who are not candidates for other treatments.

Corneal Transplant

In advanced cases of keratoconus, when other treatments are no longer effective, a corneal transplant may be necessary. During a corneal transplant, the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. This can restore vision and reduce the symptoms of keratoconus. There are different types of corneal transplants, including full-thickness and partial-thickness transplants. The type of transplant recommended will depend on the severity and extent of the keratoconus.

Managing Keratoconus

In addition to medical treatments, there are several lifestyle changes and practices that can help manage keratoconus. It’s important to protect your eyes from injury by wearing protective eyewear when necessary. Rubbing your eyes can worsen keratoconus, so it’s best to avoid this habit. Regular check-ups with an eye specialist are also crucial to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.

Conclusion

Keratoconus is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment, it can be managed effectively. Early diagnosis is key to preserving vision and preventing the condition from progressing. From glasses and contact lenses to surgical options like corneal cross-linking and transplants, there are many ways to treat keratoconus and improve quality of life. If you suspect you have keratoconus or are experiencing changes in your vision, it’s important to see an eye specialist as soon as possible.

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Trust Your Eye Care to Imperial Healthcare

Your vision deserves the best care possible. At Imperial Healthcare, we specialise in treating keratoconus with the latest techniques and a patient-focused approach. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve clearer vision and better eye health. Don’t let keratoconus hold you back—schedule your consultation with Imperial Healthcare today and take the first step towards improved vision. Your eyes are in safe hands with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.

How is keratoconus treated?

Keratoconus treatments include glasses, contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, and, in advanced cases, corneal transplants. The treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Can keratoconus be cured?

While keratoconus cannot be completely cured, it can be managed effectively with appropriate treatments, helping to preserve vision and prevent further progression.

Is keratoconus hereditary?

Keratoconus may have a genetic component, as it often runs in families. However, environmental factors can also contribute to its development.

Who is at risk for keratoconus?

Keratoconus typically affects young people in their teens or early 20s, and it may be more common in individuals with a family history of the condition.

What symptoms indicate keratoconus?

Symptoms of keratoconus include blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. These symptoms may worsen over time.

Can I wear contact lenses with keratoconus?

Yes, special contact lenses, like rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses, are often used to manage keratoconus, providing clearer vision than glasses.