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Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea bulges out toward the exterior of the eye, adopting a cone shape that affects vision. Despite the current medical advances, not all of the causes and details about keratoconus are known. However, what we do know allows us to treat it and improve the visual function of these patients.
In keratoconus, the outer lens of the eye (the cornea) adopts a dome or cone shape. This happens because the cornea becomes thin and weak and can no longer maintain the internal pressure of the eye.
Keratoconus appears to involve a genetic predisposition. Certain environmental factors and allergic reactions can play a role, especially if excessive eye rubbing occurs. It most commonly manifests in adolescents, affecting one in 2,000 people with no differences across racial or ethnic groups.
These are the significant symptoms of keratoconus:
These symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually over the course of years.
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Treating keratoconus aims to slow down or stop the progression of the disease and improve visual function. There are several approaches that can accomplish this:
This is a relatively new approach to treat keratoconus. It is a minimally-invasive procedure performed in a clinical 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.
Through scleral contact lenses, it is possible to improve the visual function of keratoconus patients. These lenses are made to help reshape 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.
In advanced keratoconus, only a corneal transplant will be able to recover visual health. Patients undergoing corneal transplants usually have scarring in the cornea, so this option is not considered lightly. Recent advances allow us to use a technique named Partial Thickness Corneal Transplant, one common version is known as DALK. This procedure reduces the risk of rejection by replacing the innermost layer instead of the entirety of the cornea. Recovery time is also reduced and the results are usually promising.
Intacs can be used in cases where other contact lenses are not effective at improving visual function. Intacs are small inserts implanted along the edge of 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 specific patient and the progression of the disease.
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!
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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.
