What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition in which the front of the eye protrudes out like a cone, compared to being smooth and round.
The cone shaped appearance of the cornea, affects the focus of light going in the eye, causing short sighted correction.
The cause of Keratoconus isn't exactly know, however it may be partly genetic and happens more in people who have asthma, eczema and who rub their eyes frequently.
Who may get Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is usually diagnosed in young people at puberty, late teens or early twenties.
It is more common in non Caucasians and affects up to 1 in 450 people.
An ocular healthcare professional, will examine your eyes with a slit lamp and perform topography scans to determine if you have Keratoconus.
Treatments?
There is no cure for Keratoconus, patients will need glasses to see well, but many eventually require special contact lenses.
The contact lenses are designed to accommodate to the unique shape of the cornea, leading to an improvement in visual quality.
In advanced cases, corneal transplant may be needed called cross linking.
Cross Linking
Progressing Keratoconus due to its coned shape, makes the cornea become thin.
Cross linking uses ultraviolet light and vitamin B2 eye drops to stiffen the cornea, this causes fibers within the cornea to cross link more tightly reducing the progression of the condition.
It is effective in 90% of patients within the first outpatient procedure.
The treatment is recommended for patients showing signs of high risk of worsening Keratoconus.
Post-Op Medication
Patients will still need to wear spectacles or contact lenses after cross linking.
Eyes will feel sore after treatment which can be remedied with over the counter pain killers.
Patient should allow at least 1 week off from work or studies due to the needed medication management.
Eye drops, bandage contact lenses will be prescribed and will need to be used regularly for prompt recovery.
Risks & Benefits?
Benefits:
Usually stops the condition from getting worse
Risks:
Cross linking is very safe, but all procedures need time to heal and problems can occur.
1 in 30 chance of worse vision after treatment.
20% of Keratoconus patients who do not get Cross Linking will eventually need corneal transplant.
Aftercare
Aftercare
Aftercare
Preservative free drops will be given to use 4 times a day, using the drops 5 minutes apart, for 1-2 weeks.
Bandage contact lenses will be given to protect the cornea as its recovering and numbing eye drops to reduce eye discomfort as its healing.
Follow up appointment will be arrange for 2-3 weeks for review.