Keratoconus is a progressive condition of eyes which is caused when the otherwise round cornea bulges out into an irregular cone due to its excessive thinning. It is the conical shape in a Keratoconus-affected eye that causes distorted vision, primarily because it restricts the light (entering into our eyes) from being focused correctly on the retina. Therefore, in a Keratoconus-affected cornea, light rays enter the eye at different angles instead of one focused point. However, in its earlier stages, the disorder cause blurred or distorted vision which progress if left untreated. As Keratoconus progresses, it affects both the eyes differently and its first signs are usually felt in mid-to-late teens. However, with the progression of the condition, the cornea ends up bulging out more thereby, affecting vision severely. In some cases, the cornea may swell and cause a sudden & significant loss of vision.
Soft contact lenses are generally prescribed to correct mild vision changes caused due to Keratoconus. Later, as the disorder progresses, and cornea continues to become conical, rigid gas permeable contact lenses are prescribed to be used. However, to maintain healthy eyesight and arrest the progression of Keratoconus, it is important to get your eyes checked regularly.
KERATOCONUS TREATMENT
Keratoconus can be diagnosed clinically by Slit Lamp Examination and it can be confirmed by Corneal Topography test
Spectacles and contact lenses:
Contact lenses are required for the visual improvement in patients with keratoconus. Various contact lens options, such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, soft and soft toric lenses, piggy back contact lenses (PBCL), hybrid lenses and scleral lenses are available. Use of contact lenses ensures better best corrected visual acuity in these highly irregular corneas.
CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSS LINKING
Keratoconus is first managed by Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking or CXL technique, which is a new modality of treatment that has a higher success rate in arresting the progession of the condition. In most cases, corneal Cross-Linking reduces the need for a corneal transplant. The treatment involves removing the superficial layer (epithelium) from the surface of the cornea and then applying Riboflavin eye drops to the eye. The eye is then exposed to UVA light. After the treatment, a bandage contact lens is worn for 1-3 days until the surface of the eye has healed. Antibiotic and steroid eye drops are also prescribed for a few weeks. This has been shown in studies published worldwide over a long follow-up period, to be successful in arresting the progression of the condition in most cases
At Sharp Sight we have the latest technology for performing the procedure which reduces the time needed on table by using an accelerated protocol.
