Keratoconus Management in Munster, Indiana
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the normally rounded cornea bulges outward into a cone shape. This central part of the eye's front surface is crucial for focusing light and protecting the eye.
Keratoconus typically begins during teenage years or early adulthood but can also start in childhood. The corneal changes occur over several years, progressing more rapidly in younger children.
How Does Keratoconus Affect Vision?
Keratoconus affects vision in two main ways. First, the cornea’s smooth surface becomes irregular, causing irregular astigmatism that eyeglasses cannot entirely correct. Secondly, the steepening of the cornea’s front increases nearsightedness. As a result, those affected may need new prescription eyeglasses more often.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact cause of keratoconus is mainly unknown. It may run in families and is more common when using certain medical conditions. Frequent eye rubbing is also associated with a more rapid progression of this disease. Common symptoms include:
- Gradually worsening vision in one or both eyes
- Double vision when looking out of one eye
- Seeing halos around bright lights
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Distorted vision, where straight lines appear bent, or objects seem misshapen
Keratoconus Management and Treatment at Gailmard Eye Center
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
In the early stages of keratoconus, vision can often be corrected with eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. However, as the condition progresses, these options may become less effective due to increasing irregular astigmatism.
For more advanced cases, rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses are often recommended. These lenses provide a smoother surface over the irregular cornea, significantly improving visual acuity and comfort.
Corneal crosslinking is a treatment that uses ultraviolet (UV) light combined with riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops. This procedure strengthens the collagen fibers in the cornea, helping to maintain its shape and prevent further steepening.
The treatment involves applying riboflavin drops to the cornea for up to 30 minutes, followed by exposure to UV light. This process can effectively slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.
Implantable Ring Segments (INTACS)
INTACS® are small devices that are inserted into the cornea to help flatten it and improve vision. This procedure can also make it easier to fit contact lenses for those with keratoconus.
Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure involves creating channels in the cornea and inserting the rings. These rings help to correct the cone shape caused by keratoconus and improve visual outcomes.
Corneal Transplant
For advanced cases of keratoconus, a cornea transplant may be required. This surgical procedure replaces the diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue, often resulting in significantly improved vision.
Full visual stabilization after a cornea transplant can take over a year. Additionally, some patients may still require specialty contact lenses to achieve the best possible vision post-surgery.