keratoconus- Causes, symptoms and treatment

We shall explain about the keratoconus in brief which would enable you to understand the disease and get the appropriate treatment

What is Keratoconus ?

The cornea which is front clear portion of the eye is normally dome shaped, smooth structure. In keratoconus ( Kerato= cornea, conus=cone shaped) protrusion (bulge) of cornea occurs leading to abnormally shaped, weak/ fragile outer portion of eye
 http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s

What are symptoms of keratoconus?

The vision which can not be satisfactorily improved with glasses, often having high cylinder numbers is usually the first symptom. However observant patients may notice glare,haloes, ghosting of images ( seeing shadow or double images)

What causes keratoconus?

1.About 7-10% of patients have family history. i.e hereditary causes ( the disease which can run in families)

2. Majority of patients do have history of frequent and excessive eye rubbing

3. Keratoconus has been associated with certain eye diseases, such as 'allergic' diseases vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis. It has also been associated with retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity and Leber's congenital amaurosis.

4.Diseases which involve 'collagen' in the body such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Down syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta have been associated with keratoconus.

5. One of the important causes in recent times is Post LASIK ectasia. Simply put it is the development of keratoconus after LASIK
http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s

Why my vision has decreased?

1.Due to oddly shaped cornea. Our eye can be considered as camera with cornea analogous to camera lens. If the lens has irregular, dented or deformed surface all points in picture may not come to focus. This causes blurring
2. If ignored long enough there may be 'whitening' of cornea leading to opacification condition termed as hydrops.
http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s

Is keratoconus curable ? What can i expect over coming years?

Keratoconus is a progressive disease. Conical protrusion of cornea increases along with the time. There are two aspects to the treatment
A.Halting or stopping the disease progression

B. Visual rehabilitation or correction

Over time recovery of vision will depend on extent of involvement. Though majority of people require special contact lenses few patients can obtain good vision with glasses as well if the procedure is done early.

There are plenty of options involved for patients afflicted with keratoconus.

Even in advanced stages the visual gain can be achieved through corneal transplant procedures like DALK- Deep Anterior lamellar keratoplasty, Femto assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty ( " LASER " based procedure without use of trephine or circular bade used in conventional DALK )
http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s

What is the procedure to halt the progression of the keratoconus?

Corneal collagen cross linking is the procedure to be done to halt the progression of the disease. It is known by various names such as C3R, KXL or CXL.

1.The procedure in nutshell strengthens the weakened cornea.
2. Time taken can be variable depending on protocol selected for therapy.
3. There are no cuts or stitches involved in the procedure.
4. The procedure is carried out at our center with top of the line INTACS XL machine
http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s



Will C3R lead to improvement in my vision?

NO the intention of procedure is only to halt the disease from progressing or worsening.Although some change in glass number is expected over few months.

I was told that wearing RGP will stop the progression of the disease, is that true?

It is same as saying that wearing gloves will prevent the lengthening of hand. There is no evidence in this claim

What are RGP lenses ? How do they help in gaining vision if soft contact lenses can not lead to improvement ?

RGP stands for Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses. As the name implies the rigidity of lens allows it to mould/ reshape the cornea in order to focus light rays more accurately
http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s

What are scleral contact lenses?

Even the most protruded and advanced corneas can be fitted with scleral contact lenses. These are large diameter lenses which can be customised / made according to shape of individuals eye.

Get in touch with your cornea specialist to know more
http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s

What is the role of DALK or corneal transplantation procedure?

In extremely thin corneas doing C3R may not be feasible option. DALK or corneal transplantation ( commonly referred to as 'eye transplantation' can be carried out in such patients

http://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-shttp://www.corneacarecenter.com/keratoconus-keratoconus-treatment-s