Keratoconus begins as a bulge in your cornea, causing it to develop a cone-like shape. The change in corneal shape is gradual. It causes blurry or distorted vision due to the deflection of light by the cone shape. You may develop other complications like irregular astigmatism and progressive myopia. You may also experience light sensitivity and glare.

Causes of Keratoconus

Research suggests that the condition may be due to enzyme imbalances within the cornea. The enzyme imbalances weaken it, making it susceptible to damage from free radicals. The oxidative damage from these compounds eventually causes the weakening and bulging forward into a cone-like shape.

Treatment

There are several treatments for someone with keratoconus. However, each treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. Mild forms of keratoconus will do well with soft contacts or eyeglasses. But as keratoconus progresses, other interventions will be needed.
 

The treatments include:

• Custom Soft Contacts

With progress in technology, you can now get custom soft contact lenses. These are ideal for mild cases of keratoconus. The doctor will make measurements of your eye and cornea and get customized lenses. 

These comfortable lenses will meet your individual needs. They will also not keep falling out of your eyes since they have a more expansive fit than regular lenses. It allows them to be more stable.

• Scleral and Semi-scleral Lenses

Their diameter is large enough to allow the edge of the lens to rest on the sclera. They do not apply pressure on your eye, allowing a more comfortable fit than other contact lenses. They are also more stable than the usual gas-permeable contact lenses. These can move as you blink and not fall out.

• Corneal Cross-linking (CXL)

Doctors also refer to this as corneal collagen cross-linking. It is a procedure that strengthens the cornea, slowing or even stopping the bulging. The treatment has two versions—epithelium-on and epithelium-off.

Epithelium-on or transepithelial cross-linking leaves the corneal intact during the treatment. As such, it involves less discomfort and risk of infection. You will need one day to recover from it. 

Epithelium-off involves the removal of the outer layer of the cornea. The epithelium removal allows entry of the vitamin B, riboflavin, into the cornea. The treatments significantly reduce the need for corneal transplants.

• Intacs® (Addition Technology)

These are arc-shaped corneal inserts. The doctor surgically positions them within the peripheral cornea. It reshapes the front surface, allowing for clarity of vision. They are ideal when contact lenses and eyeglasses no longer provide functional vision. The implants are removable and exchangeable. The procedure takes 10 minutes; it will delay the need for corneal transplants.

• Topography-guided Conductive Keratoplasty

The technology treats keratoconus using radio wave energy. The doctor uses a small probe to apply the radio waves at several points and smooth irregularities. The procedure uses a computer to create a topographical map, helping individualize the process.

• Corneal Transplant

It is the last consideration when all else fails. However, you may need to use eyeglasses or contact lenses after the procedure.

For more information on keratoconus, visit Zmyslinski Eye & Contact Lens Center at our office in Scottsdale or Tempe, Arizona. Call (480) 945-9971 or (480) 820-3813 to book an appointment today.