How is Keratoconus Treated?

How is Keratoconus Treated?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, gradually thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape causes light entering the eye to be distorted, resulting in blurred and distorted vision. Keratoconus typically begins in the teenage years or early 20s and can worsen over time, making it increasingly difficult to see clearly.

How Does Keratoconus Impact Vision?

The cornea is responsible for refracting light and focusing it onto the retina at the back of the eye. In a healthy eye, the cornea has a smooth, dome-like shape. However, in keratoconus, the cornea becomes thinner and more irregularly shaped, causing light to be scattered and distorted as it enters the eye. This leads to various vision problems, such as:

·       Nearsightedness (myopia)

·       Astigmatism

·       Sensitivity to glare and light

·       Difficulty seeing at night

·       Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

Understanding the progression and impact of keratoconus is crucial in seeking appropriate treatment and managing the condition effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Keratoconus

The symptoms of keratoconus can vary from person to person, and they may develop gradually over time. Some common symptoms include:

•       Blurred or distorted vision: As the cornea becomes more irregularly shaped, your vision may become blurred, distorted, or even double in some cases.

•       Increased sensitivity to light and glare: The irregular cornea can cause increased sensitivity to bright lights, making it difficult to see clearly in well-lit environments or when driving at night.

•       Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions: As the cornea continues to change shape, your eyeglass or contact lens prescription may need to be updated more frequently to maintain clear vision.

•       Eye strain and fatigue: The constant effort to see clearly can lead to eye strain, headaches, and general fatigue.

•       Halos or ghosting around lights: The irregular cornea can cause the appearance of halos or ghostly images around bright lights, such as streetlights or car headlights.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with an eye care professional, as early detection and proper treatment are crucial for managing keratoconus and preventing further vision loss.

Contact Lens Options for Keratoconus

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, there are several traditional treatment options available to help manage the condition and improve your vision. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of your keratoconus and the stage of the condition.

•       Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses: RGP contact lenses are a common treatment for keratoconus, as they can help reshape the cornea and improve visual acuity. These lenses are more rigid than traditional soft contacts and can provide better vision correction.

•       Scleral contact lenses: These larger, gas-permeable lenses rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and can provide excellent vision correction for individuals with advanced keratoconus.

•       Piggyback contact lenses: In some cases, a combination of an RGP lens and a soft contact lens may be used to manage keratoconus, a technique known as piggyback contact lenses.

Corneal Cross-Linking: An Innovative Treatment for Keratoconus

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a relatively new and innovative treatment for keratoconus that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This procedure aims to strengthen the cornea and prevent further progression of the condition. The corneal cross-linking procedure involves the following steps:

•       Numbing the eye with eye drops

•       Removing a thin layer of the cornea's surface (epithelium)

•       Applying a special eye drop solution containing riboflavin (vitamin B2)

•       Exposing the cornea to a controlled amount of ultraviolet (UV) light

This process helps to create additional cross-links between the collagen fibers in the cornea, which strengthens the corneal structure and helps to prevent further thinning and bulging. In many cases, corneal cross-linking can also lead to a slight improvement in vision.

Surgical Options for Advanced Cases of Keratoconus

In some cases, when other treatment options are no longer effective, surgical interventions may be recommended for individuals with advanced keratoconus. These surgical options include:

•       Corneal transplant (keratoplasty): In this procedure, the damaged or irregularly shaped cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. This is typically reserved for cases where the cornea has become severely distorted or scarred, and other treatments are no longer effective.

•       Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK): In some cases, laser vision correction procedures may be used to reshape the cornea and improve vision, but these are typically only considered in the early stages of keratoconus.

The decision to pursue surgical treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, the effectiveness of other treatment options, and your overall eye health.

Schedule Your Consultation with Canyon Optometry Today

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can significantly impact your vision and quality of life if left untreated. However, with early detection and proper management, many individuals with keratoconus can maintain good visual acuity and delay or prevent the need for more invasive treatments.

If you suspect you may have keratoconus, contact Canyon Optometry today to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Visit our office in Irvine, California, or call (949) 559-5905 to book an appointment today.