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Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the the structure of the cornea, which is the clear outer part of the eye, and occurs when the cornea weakens and is unable to hold a typical round shape, causing it to bulge outwards like a cone. Keratoconus is a progressive condition which can develop rapidly or slowly over time, ultimately leading to visual distortion with a high degree of astigmatism, which can cause difficulty obtaining quality vision with soft contact lenses or glasses.
Keratoconus often starts when people are in their early to late 20s. Visual symptoms slowly worsen over a period of time, with gradual deterioration over a varying number of years. We do not know why people develop Keratoconus, although this condition can be hereditary. It is estimated 1 out of 8 people with Keratoconus has a parent who has it too.
Other causes of Keratoconus include trauma to the cornea, excessive eye rubbing, chronic ocular irritation, and poorly fitted contact lenses.
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) to Treat Keratoconus
Corneal Cross-linking, also known as CXL, is an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for Keratoconus. This procedure is designed to strengthen the corneal tissue in order to prevent progression of Keratoconus, specifically to halt the bulging of the eye’s surface. Corneal Cross-linking obtained FDA approval in 2016 after years of clinical studies, and is quickly becoming a preferred treatment method for Keratoconus because it may reduce the need for corneal transplant surgery. The specialists at Fraser Eye are thrilled to offer this innovative treatment option for Keratoconus patients in the Detroit area and throughout Michigan.
Corneal Cross-linking involves placing drops of Riboflavin (Vitamin B) on the cornea followed by controlled UV light exposure. This process can strengthen the connective tissue of the cornea to reinforce, and in some instances even reverse, the bulging surface. Corneal Cross-linking is generally recommended for patients with progressive Keratoconus.
Keratoconus treatment depends on your symptoms and vision. When your symptoms are mild, your vision can usually be corrected with eyeglasses and soft contact lenses. Eventually eyeglasses and soft contact lenses are no longer sufficient and other options besides Corneal Cross-linking include:
Gas permeable contact lenses/Hybrid contact lenses/Scleral contact lenses: These lenses are used due to their rigidity, which improves vision by changing the irregular cone shape into a smooth surface. Initially patients may find these lenses uncomfortable to use, but patients typically adjust within one to two weeks.
Corneal inserts or Intacs: Tiny plastic arc inserts are placed in the middle of the cornea in order to reshape it.
Corneal transplant: Penetrating Keratoplasty (also known as PK or PKP) is the treatment of choice when all other non-surgical and surgical options have been exhausted. The procedure involves removing the bulging cornea and replacing it with a healthy cornea from a donor. The transplanted cornea is held in place by sutures attaching the donor to one’s own tissue. Follow-up visits are necessary at which time the sutures are slowly removed.
Are Allergies and Keratoconus related?
The correlation between allergies and Keratoconus is well documented. Ocular allergies, which cause itchy, irritated eyes in reaction to an allergen such as pollen or pet dander, are very common. Allergies do not always lead to more serious symptoms, but experts believe that in some cases ocular allergies may in fact cause Keratoconus, largely due to excessive rubbing of the eyes. If you suffer from ocular allergies, it is important not to rub your eyes because it may damage corneal collagen. If you already suffer from Keratoconus rubbing can damage the thin bulging corneal tissue and make your symptoms worse. If you do have allergies or itchy eyes, speak to your eye doctor about a treatment plan that may involve allergy eye drops.
The team at Fraser Eye is dedicated to maintaining and improving vision and eye health for our patients. Contact us to learn more about treatment options for Keratoconus or the range of other eye conditions we treat at our four convenient locations throughout Michigan.
The Fraser Eye Care Center Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
