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Corneal ectasia is rare, but very severe. It most commonly occurs as a complication of corrective vision procedures. In corneal ectasia, procedures such as PRK and LASIK cause progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, which in turn results in worsening vision.
Corneal ectasia is not a single condition, but rather a group of conditions and complications of PRK and LASIK. The most common is known as keratoconus
In corneal ectasia, LASIK or PRK procedures remove too much tissue from the cornea, and cause a new form of astigmatism. The cornea becomes excessively thin and weak and is no longer able to hold the normal eye pressure. This causes a bulging effect to occur within the eye.
In keratoconus, the most common form of corneal ectasia, the collagen fibers of the cornea become weak, causing it to lose its structure and normal shape. This non-inflammatory and progressive condition makes the eye adopt a cone-like shape, affecting visual acuity in the process.
Contact lenses can also cause corneal ectasia when they are either too rigid or too soft. This is why a board-certified professional should evaluate you before prescribing or recommending contact lenses. Otherwise, ill-fitting contact lenses mold the cornea and can cause the same symptoms as irregular astigmatism.
Corneal ectasia signs and symptoms are progressive as the cornea adopts a bulging shape. The most commonly reported are:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book a visit with us today.
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Corneal cross-linking, also known as CXL, is a procedure designed to stabilize and strengthen the cornea through a minimally invasive approach consisting of UV light, eye drops, and brushing off the surface of the cornea.
This treatment is appropriate for patients over 14 years of age, with mild to moderate symptoms. It can be performed in an office setting and only takes around two hours including prep time and treatment.
Intacs (Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments) are implants that an ophthalmologist will place along the edge of the cornea to reduce its bulging shape. The implants are placed at two-thirds depth around the cornea, after making a small incision in the stroma. Following the Intacs procedure, patients with keratoconus will be able to tolerate contact lenses again. This procedure is a less invasive alternative to corneal transplantation.
In moderate to severe cases, corneal transplants are a suitable option. It consists of replacing the cornea, but preserving a membrane known as the Descemet membrane. One of the common surgical techniques is the DALK corneal transplant. DALK is short for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. This procedure is appropriate in cases of corneal scarring, advanced keratoconus, corneal ectasia after LASIK procedures, corneal degeneration, and dystrophy.
DALK features a lower rejection rate compared to other procedures and features a rapid stabilization and recovery. DALK also allows for a quicker return to daily activities, including physical activity, compared to other procedural options. Topical steroids can be prescribed after DALK, but only for a very short time to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer all your questions about which procedure is best for you, and ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible. Make an appointment today!
At Texas Eye and Cataract, we know how important it is to see life with clear vision. We understand that being your best means seeing your best.
At Texas Eye and Cataract, we know how important it is to see life with clear vision. We understand that being your best means seeing your best.
