Keratoconus
What Is Keratoconus(KC)?
Keratoconus is a thinning disorder of the cornea causing abnormal bulging of the cornea. As the cornea progressively thins, the patients shortsightedness and astigmatism increases. This leads to frequent spectacle change.
Keratoconus progression can be successfully stopped with Corneal Collagen Cross Linking procedures. Patients often complain of progressive visual deterioration, with ghosting and distortion of images. This makes daily activities like readings and driving difficult.
Once the Keratoconus has stabilized there are therapeutic options to improve vision and these include: Spectacles, Contact lenses, Intra corneal Ring Segments, Implantable Collamer lens and therapeutic PRK.
Solutions for Keratoconus
Corneal Collagen Cross Linking (CXL)
The first step in treating KC is to stop its progression. CXL is known to be a safe and effective treatment in this regard. If your previous CXL has failed , you may have had an ineffective protocol.
Vitamin drops are applied to soak the cornea collagen.
A UV light is applied which triggers the cross linking section.
More bonds/links are created between collagen fibres: strengthening the cornea and preventing progression
Intra Corneal Ring segments (ICRS)
Although Keratoconus can be stabilised with Corneal Cross-linking, some patients are still contact lens intolerant after the treatment and still have poor vision due to a very irregular cornea. We now have a therapeutic option for these patients, namely Intracorneal Ring Segments implantation, called ICRS.
If you are contact lens intolerant or not happy with your vision, you may have a very irregular cornea. ICRS may be a solution for you. It can help improve your corneal shape resulting in a better fitting contact lens and improved corrected vision.
This is a safe and reversible procedure.
Also suitable for patients who have had previous corneal transplants.
Laser creates precise tunnel.
Ring is inserted through the tunnel.
Placement of ring in the cornea.
Cornea shape becomes more regular and cone is flattened.
Corneal allogenic intra Stromal ring Segmants. (CAIRS)
Human corneal tissue can be added to your cornea to strengthen and improve its shape. If your cornea is not suitable for ICRS , this may be a solution for you.
Laser creates precise tunnel.
Cornea tissue segment is inserted through the tunnel.
Cornea tissue segment in the cornea.
Cornea shapes becomes more regular and cone is flattened.