Keratoconus Treatment
Overiew: Understanding Keratoconus
The word keratoconus is formed by two Greek words: kerato, meaning cornea, and konus, meaning cone. Keratoconus is a condition in which the shape of the cornea, which is usually round, distorts, developing a cone-shaped bulge, resulting in decreased or changed vision. Keratoconus is mostly bilateral and asymmetric, which implies that it usually affects both eyes. However, one eye may be more affected than the other.
Contact us if you have more queries or in case you want to book an appointment for keratoconus treatment
Keratoconus Causes
Although the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown yet, some environmental and genetic factors are considered as the reasons causing this eye condition. Keratoconus, sometimes, maybe an inherited condition.
Certain conditions like Retinitis Pigmentosa, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Down’s syndrome, hay fever, and asthma are considered as risk factors that may increase the chances of keratoconus.
Keratoconus Symptoms
Difficulty in driving
Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare
Excessive eye rubbing
Distortion of vision
Headaches and clouding of vision
Objective of Keratoconus Treatment
Keratoconus treatment plan has two aspects, first to stop its progression, and second to look at the refractive error and provide aid to improve the impaired vision.
What Do We Offer For Keratoconus Treatment?
Our Super Specialities Services For Keratoconus Treatment
With our vast experience in managing complex corneal cases regularly, our expert surgeons help patients not only to diagnose and stop the disease and prevent it from worsening, as well as, to improve vision as far as possible.
Primary diagnosis of keratoconus treatment include:
| Refraction | Pentacam | Corvis-ST |
|---|---|---|
| The first diagnosis of keratoconus is the rapidly changing refractive error or simply put, glass prescription. A dilated refraction accurately assesses this refractive error of each eye. | A Corneal Topography done by Pentacam evaluates the severity of this condition. It shows the alterations of the corneal architecture and measures the curvature. | Corvis-ST shows the extent of the biomechanical weakening of the cornea that causes it to lose its original shape and makes it vulnerable to thinning and worsening. |
Based on the findings, our experienced specialists draw a successful keratoconus treatment plan for the patient.
Centre for Sight offers keratoconus treatment through both medical and surgical methods:
Medical Management
Patients with active or recurrent allergies are given anti-allergic treatments.
Surgical Management of Keratoconus
Specialists decide on the choice of the transplant procedure depending on the corneal condition and depth of the scar created by keratoconus. The ultimate solution is to perform corneal transplant surgery.
Keratoconus Surgery
After the consultation, our highly trained and trusted cornea specialists evaluate the overall situation and give a solution based on the patient’s eye condition. The following options are available for the treatment of keratoconus.
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (C3R or CXL eye surgery): C3R eye surgery halts the progression of keratoconus.
Key Facts about Crosslinking (C3R or CXL) eye surgery
| Crosslinking (C3R or CXL) eye surgery does not correct vision or eliminate the need for contact lens or eyeglasses. It maintains the current level of vision and prevents it from worsening. | Crosslinking eye surgery has shown longstanding stability. It is a less invasive treatment than other corneal transplants. | Crosslinking surgery aims to strengthen collagen cross-linking strands with the support of riboflavin and ultraviolet rays. It allows for faster recovery and doesn’t necessitate hospitalization. |
What Is the Process of Crosslinking (C3R or CXL) eye Surgery
Step 1
During Crosslinking (C3R or CXL) eye surgery, the cornea’s top layer is scraped to instil riboflavin drops and soak cornea for 20-30 min.
Step 2
After this, UV-A radiation exposure is concentrated on the patient’s eyes for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Next, the eye is washed, and a contact lens is placed over the cornea to be worn for 3-4 days.
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Intracorneal Ring Segments (ICRS):
ICRS like INTACS, Bio Ring are PMMA ring segments which may be inserted into the corneal stroma to flatten the steep curvature and normalize the corneal shape. This procedure may be combined with C3R to not only stop the disease but also improve the vision as far as possible. ICRS may be performed along with C3R in the same sitting. INTACS are inserted by creating channels in the cornea using the Femto-laser making it a highly advanced and sophisticated procedure. Prior to the procedure, certain investigations like the Pentacam scan need to be done to assess the suitability of the eye and plan the exact location of the ICRS segment in the eyes.
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Corneal transplantation (Full-thickness or partial thickness):
For patients with an advanced stage of keratoconus, corneal transplantation may be recommended. This may be a full-thickness procedure called penetrating keratoplasty (PK) or a partial thickness procedure in which only the diseased layer is removed known as Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK).
What is Corneal Transplant Surgery or Keratoplasty?
Corneal transplantation or keratoplasty is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donor corneal tissue.
Available state-of-the-art options at Centre for Sight for corneal transplant surgery include:
❖ Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), i.e., Partial Thickness Transplant
❖ Full-Thickness/Penetrating Corneal Transplant (PK)
| PK (Penetrating Keratoplasty) | Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) |
|---|---|
| Penetrating Keratoplasty is a type of corneal transplantation surgery in which the donor cornea is stitched to the host tissue of the patient. | With the recent advancements in surgical techniques and instrumentation, newer kinds of surgeries are done with excellent results. These surgeries are called lamellar transplantation. |
| It is a conventional procedure being done for many years now. Penetrating Keratoplasty involves the removal of the entire thickness of the host cornea and replacing it with the donor cornea. |
In this type of corneal transplant surgery, only the diseased portion of the cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue. The rest of the cornea is left undisturbed. When the front portion of the cornea is replaced, it is called as DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty). |
Keratoconus Eye Surgery Benefits
Most people who undergo keratoconus corneal transplants will have their vision partially restored. But what you can expect after keratoconus surgery depends on your health and the reason for the surgery.
Since risks of complications involved with keratoconus eye surgery continue for years, it is advised to visit a doctor annually for comprehensive eye treatment. Mostly, corneal graft rejections in patients with keratoconus are less common and can be managed with medications.
Once the outer layer of the cornea heals completely after keratoconus eye surgery, our expert eye specialists can make finer adjustments to improve visual acuities like correcting refractive errors through glasses or contact lenses or lasers.
Are you looking out for keratoconus treatment in Delhi? Reach Centre for Sight, your one-stop solution for cornea problems. Get information about keratoconus treatment, C3R surgery, corneal transplant surgery, keratoconus corneal transplantation, corneal transplant surgery, and more from our experts today.
How long does corneal transplant last?
Corneal transplant once is done, lasts lifelong if the body accepts the graft. However, in cases of graft rejection or failure, repeat surgeries may be required.
How long does one have to wait for a corneal transplant?
The eye bank arranges for donor corneal tissue. Patients may have to wait for the availability for a healthy donor cornea of the appropriate age and good quality for some time.
Are corneal transplants successful?
Yes. Corneal transplants are successful. Certain medicines are prescribed to aid in the acceptance and survival of the graft.
Can a corneal transplant cure glaucoma?
Corneal transplant does not cure glaucoma.
How do I know if I need a corneal transplant?
The consulting ophthalmologist would determine whether you need a corneal transplant or not.
What happens if I scratch the cornea?
Corneal traumas in the form of abrasions occur. These abrasions may get infected and cause ulcers if not treated in time. You will feel pain, watering and associated redness. It is best not to self-medicate. Please contact your nearest eye specialist immediately.
Is a corneal abrasion an emergency case?
Yes, it is. It is a painful condition and needs urgent attention before it gets infected and forms a corneal ulcer.
How much time does corneal abrasion take to heal?
Depending on the size of the abrasion, it may take 24-72 hours to heal.
Can a corneal abrasion cause permanent damage?
Usually, corneal abrasion heals without any permanent damage, provided it is not infected.
Can you go blind by keratoconus?
Advanced keratoconus may reduce the vision to an extent where daily routine activities may become difficult.
What is the best keratoconus treatment available?
There are various keratoconus treatment options available, depending on the severity of keratoconus. Starting from glasses and contact lenses, they go on to include C3R, INTACS or ring segments, DALK, combination therapy with ICL and PK for advanced cases.
Can keratoconus be reversed?
No. It cannot be reversed. However, its progression can be halted.
What is corneal transplantation?
Corneal transplantation is a surgery that includes the replacement of the defective cornea with a healthy cornea received by the eye donation. Eye donation in Delhi is simple as many institutions help you do this act of charity and kindness. Centre for Sight is also one of the places for eye donation in Delhi.
Can keratoconus be cured permanently?
Most patients undergoing Crosslinking (C3R or CXL) will usually develop stable keratoconus which should not progress in the normal course of events
Is keratoconus serious?
It is a sight-threatening condition that warrants timely treatment as it is known to progress with time.
Can keratoconus go away on its own?
Keratoconus cannot go away on its own. However, in the patients above 35-40 years of age, it may stabilize on its own
Can keratoconus patients wear glasses?
Yes. Keratoconus patients can wear glasses to gain optimal vision.
Does corneal transplant cure keratoconus?
Yes, it does.
Is keratoconus a disability?
Yes. Some instances of keratoconus may have a visual disability.
Can laser eye surgery correct keratoconus?
Laser surgery doesn’t correct keratoconus. Crosslinking (C3R or CXL) halts keratoconus progression. However, we can perform a limited PRK along with C3R to improve vision to the best extent possible as well as stabilize the disease process
Is keratoconus rare?
Keratoconus is a fairly common disease seen amongst the young population ageing below 30 years. It is relatively common in patients having allergies and who may be rubbing their eyes.
Does my child need to be checked for keratoconus?
Every child should undergo a comprehensive vision test around 3-4 years of age to ensure that both eyes are healthy, well-coordinated, and have a good vision. If there is a family history of keratoconus, then the parents should ensure that the child undergoes a specific eye exam around 8-9 years of age.
Are contact lenses an effective solution for keratoconus treatment?
Contact lenses for keratoconus are designed to enhance the level of vision when you use them. If lenses are well adjusted and treated, they do not worsen the condition. Although unsuitable or dirty lenses can cause infection in the cornea.
Are there any complications related to keratoconus corneal transplantation?
In any surgery, there is always a small risk involved. Likewise, in keratoconus corneal transplantation also, the complications are rare. The most common complication associated with it includes rejection of the corneal graft. Infection, glaucoma and astigmatism are some of the other complications involved with keratoconus corneal transplantation.
How long does the entire procedure of keratoconus treatment take place?
The course of the keratoconus treatment can vary from patient to patient. With some patients, it can remain stable for years or indefinitely, while with some, it can progress rapidly or experience occasional exacerbations over a long and otherwise steady course. Most commonly, keratoconus progresses for a period of 10 to 20 years before it stabilizes usually by the third to fourth decade of life.
