Keratoconus Bulging Cornea
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What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea bulges out to the exterior, adopting a cone shape that affects visual acuity. Despite the current medical advances, some of the causes and details about keratoconus are not known. However, what we know allows us to treat it and improve the visual function of these patients.
Causes of Keratoconus
In keratoconus, the outer lens of the eye (aka the cornea) adopts a dome or cone shape. This happens because the cornea become thin and very weak, and cannot hold back the internal pressure of the eye. Thus, it bulges out and takes this form.
Keratoconus appears to have a genetic predisposition. Certain environmental factors and allergic reactions appear to play a role, especially when there’s excessive eye rubbing. It usually appears early, during the second decade of life, affecting one in 2,000 people with no racial or ethnical differences.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
These are the more important symptoms of keratoconus:
- Blurred vision that does not improve with eyeglasses
- A higher sensitivity to lightning changes and glare
- Ghosting or shadow forms around lights
- Eye straining
- Irritation of the eyes
- Eye pain
- Headache
These symptoms can appear all of a sudden or very gradually over the years.
Treatment options for keratoconus
Treating keratoconus should aim at slowing down or stopping the progression of the disease and improve visual function. For this, we have several approaches worth mentioning:
Corneal Cross-linking
This is a relatively new approach to treat keratoconus. It is a minimally-invasive procedure performed in an office setting. The procedure uses eye drops and an ultraviolet machine to strengthen the corneal tissue and the protective fibers, limiting its deterioration and the progression of the eye condition.
Contact Lenses
Through scleral contact lenses, it is possible to improve the visual function of keratoconus patients. These lenses are made to help reshaping the cornea, improving visual acuity in the process. Another option is a pair of gas permeable contact lenses. These are more appropriate for mild and moderate symptoms of the disease.
Corneal Transplants
In cases of very advanced keratoconus, only a corneal transplant will be able to recover visual health. Patients undergoing corneal transplants usually have scarring in the cornea. Recent advances allow us to use a technique named Partial Thickness Corneal Transplant, or DALK. This procedure reduces the risk of rejection by replacing the innermost layer instead of the full thickness of the cornea. Recovery time is also reduced, and the results are usually promising and very positive.
Intacs
Intacs can be used in cases where other contact lenses are not effective to improve visual function. Intacs are small inserts that will be implanted surrounding the cornea to reshape and flatten the natural lens. In some cases, the visual function improves so much that the patient no longer needs glasses of any type. However, each case is handled differently according to the progression of the disease.
It’s the right time for clearer vision
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.