Keratoconus typically presents in adolescence or early adulthood and may progress through the twenties and thirties before stabilising. The condition causes myopia, irregular astigmatism and, in more advanced cases, significant visual distortion that spectacles can no longer fully correct.

Early detection is critical. We use corneal topography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to diagnose keratoconus in its earliest stages and monitor progression precisely over time. Management is staged according to the degree of progression and visual impact.

Non-Surgical Management: Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses or scleral lenses can provide excellent vision correction in mild to moderate keratoconus by masking corneal irregularity.

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): CXL strengthens the collagen bonds within the cornea using riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops activated by UV light, halting or significantly slowing progression. It is the most important treatment advance for keratoconus in recent decades.

Corneal Transplantation: In advanced cases unmanageable with contact lenses, lamellar (DALK) or full-thickness (penetrating keratoplasty) corneal transplantation can restore functional vision.