KERATOCONUS
KERATOCONUS
KERATOCONUS
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thinned and steepened, resulting in a “cone-like” shape. It is estimated that 1 in 2000 individuals have keratoconus with a higher risk among Asian populations. Keratoconus is a progressive disease that worsens over time. The severity of keratoconus is dependent on the degree of steepening, amount of nearsightedness and astigmatism, and presence of corneal scarring.
Symptoms of keratoconus include:
- Distorted vision
- Drastic changes in vision
- Eye irritation or pain
Risk factors for developing keratoconus:
- Genetics - A family history of keratoconus can increase the likelihood of developing the condition
- Gender – It is more common in males than females
- Eye Rubbing - Frequent or aggressive rubbing of the eyes can contribute to corneal weakening
- Health conditions - Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danos syndrome, Osteogenesis imperfecta, and other connective tissue disorders are at higher risk
Keratoconus can be diagnosed with the following tests:
- Slit lamp examination
- Corneal topography
- Pachymetry
- Keratometry
Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of your symptoms and how rapidly the condition progresses. Treatment options aim to improve vision and slow down progression of the condition. Keratoconus treatments include:
- Scleral Lenses - a specialty contact lens that vaults over the cornea to provide a stable optical surface
- Corneal Cross-Linking - a procedure that strengthens corneal tissue using riboflavin drops and UV light
- Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (Intacs) - small synthetic rings inserted into the cornea to help flatten its shape
- Corneal Transplant – replacing all or part of the cornea with healthy donor tissue
At Eye Theory, we routinely screen for corneal conditions such as keratoconus during our comprehensive eye examinations. Our doctors specialize in scleral lenses for the management of keratoconus and partner with leading corneal surgeons to comanage surgical treatments. If you have keratoconus or suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule an appointment at Eye Theory to be evaluated by our doctors.
SCLERAL LENSES
SCLERAL LENSES
Scleral lenses are a great option for someone who suffers from keratoconus. Due to the irregular shape of the cornea, along with high amounts of astigmatism and nearsightedness, traditional glasses and contact lenses are unable to provide quality vision. Special lenses are required to account for the irregular cone-like shape of the cornea. Scleral lenses are a type of rigid, gas permeable lens that vaults over the cornea and lands on the sclera. There is a liquid reservoir between the cornea and scleral lens that creates a smooth optical surface to correct for optical distortion caused by keratoconus.
At Eye Theory, our doctors are skillfully trained and certified to prescribe custom scleral lenses for the management of keratoconus and other corneal deformities.
CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING (CXL)
CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING (CXL)
Corneal cross-linking is a treatment to strengthen a weakened or warped cornea. CXL works by cross-linking new collagen fibers together to strengthen and reinforce the corneal integrity of the eye. This procedure is done by applying riboflavin drops to the eye and using UV light rays to activate the riboflavin. This creates new bonds between the collagen fibers of the cornea. Patients with keratoconus or corneal ectasia are great candidates for CXL.
INTACS
INTACS
Intacs is an FDA approved surgical procedure using small corneal implants to help improve vision in keratoconus patients. They work by flattening the cornea and redistributing the pressure within the eye. Intacs is a safe and effective option for keratoconus patients who are unable to achieve good vision with glasses and contacts.
KERATOCONUS
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thinned and steepened, resulting in a “cone-like” shape. It is estimated that 1 in 2000 individuals have keratoconus with a higher risk among Asian populations. Keratoconus is a progressive disease that worsens over time. The severity of keratoconus is dependent on the degree of steepening, amount of nearsightedness and astigmatism, and presence of corneal scarring.
Symptoms of keratoconus include:
- Distorted vision
- Drastic changes in vision
- Eye irritation or pain
Risk factors for developing keratoconus:
- Genetics - A family history of keratoconus can increase the likelihood of developing the condition
- Gender – It is more common in males than females
- Eye Rubbing - Frequent or aggressive rubbing of the eyes can contribute to corneal weakening
- Health conditions - Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danos syndrome, Osteogenesis imperfecta, and other connective tissue disorders are at higher risk
Keratoconus can be diagnosed with the following tests:
- Slit lamp examination
- Corneal topography
- Pachymetry
- Keratometry
Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of your symptoms and how rapidly the condition progresses. Treatment options aim to improve vision and slow down progression of the condition. Keratoconus treatments include:
- Scleral Lenses - a specialty contact lens that vaults over the cornea to provide a stable optical surface
- Corneal Cross-Linking - a procedure that strengthens corneal tissue using riboflavin drops and UV light
- Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (Intacs) - small synthetic rings inserted into the cornea to help flatten its shape
- Corneal Transplant – replacing all or part of the cornea with healthy donor tissue
At Eye Theory, we routinely screen for corneal conditions such as keratoconus during our comprehensive eye examinations. Our doctors specialize in scleral lenses for the management of keratoconus and partner with leading corneal surgeons to comanage surgical treatments. If you have keratoconus or suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule an appointment at Eye Theory to be evaluated by our doctors.
SCLERAL LENSES
Scleral lenses are a great option for someone who suffers from keratoconus. Due to the irregular shape of the cornea, along with high amounts of astigmatism and nearsightedness, traditional glasses and contact lenses are unable to provide quality vision. Special lenses are required to account for the irregular cone-like shape of the cornea. Scleral lenses are a type of rigid, gas permeable lens that vaults over the cornea and lands on the sclera. There is a liquid reservoir between the cornea and scleral lens that creates a smooth optical surface to correct for optical distortion caused by keratoconus.
At Eye Theory, our doctors are skillfully trained and certified to prescribe custom scleral lenses for the management of keratoconus and other corneal deformities.
CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING (CXL)
Corneal cross-linking is a treatment to strengthen a weakened or warped cornea. CXL works by cross-linking new collagen fibers together to strengthen and reinforce the corneal integrity of the eye. This procedure is done by applying riboflavin drops to the eye and using UV light rays to activate the riboflavin. This creates new bonds between the collagen fibers of the cornea. Patients with keratoconus or corneal ectasia are great candidates for CXL.
INTACS
Intacs is an FDA approved surgical procedure using small corneal implants to help improve vision in keratoconus patients. They work by flattening the cornea and redistributing the pressure within the eye. Intacs is a safe and effective option for keratoconus patients who are unable to achieve good vision with glasses and contacts.
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Glasses and Contacts
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Infection · Trauma · Loss of vision
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