Keratoconus Management: How to Stop Disease From Progressing and Keep Your Vision Clear Over Time

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the shape and clarity of the cornea, often leading to distorted vision. If left untreated, it can significantly impact daily life, making tasks like reading or driving more difficult. However, with advancements in treatment, it is now possible to slow the progression of keratoconus and preserve your vision over time.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea—normally round and dome-shaped—thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape distorts light entering the eye, causing blurry or distorted vision. The exact cause of keratoconus isn’t fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms often appear in the teenage years or early adulthood and may worsen over time.

Common symptoms include:

•          Blurred or distorted vision

•          Increased sensitivity to light and glare

•          Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

•          Difficulty seeing clearly at night

Early detection through regular eye exams is essential for effective management. Managing keratoconus focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, improving vision, and maintaining the health of the cornea.

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the corneal tissue and prevent further thinning and bulging. During the procedure, riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops are applied to the cornea and activated with UV light. This creates new collagen bonds within the cornea, improving its stability and reducing the risk of progression. Cross-linking is most effective when performed early in the disease's progression, highlighting the importance of routine eye exams for early diagnosis.

Specialty Contact Lenses

For individuals with keratoconus, specialty contact lenses can correct vision by providing a smooth refractive surface. These lenses are designed to accommodate the irregular shape of the cornea, offering improved clarity compared to traditional eyeglasses or contact lenses. Common options include:

•          Scleral lenses: Large lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye), providing exceptional comfort and visual clarity.

•          Hybrid lenses: Combining a rigid center with a soft outer ring for both comfort and vision correction.

Your eye doctor will determine which lens type is best based on the severity of your keratoconus and your lifestyle needs.

Intacs®

Intacs® are small, crescent-shaped implants inserted into the cornea to flatten and reshape its curvature. This procedure can improve vision in individuals with moderate keratoconus who are not candidates for cross-linking.

Corneal Transplant

In advanced cases where the cornea becomes severely scarred or vision cannot be corrected with other methods, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This surgical procedure replaces the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue, restoring vision and eye health.

The Importance of Regular Monitoring

Keratoconus is a condition that requires ongoing care. Regular visits to your eye doctor allow for monitoring of corneal changes and adjustments to your treatment plan. Advances in diagnostic technology, such as corneal topography, make it possible to detect changes in the cornea’s shape and thickness early, enabling timely intervention.

Take Control of Your Vision Today

Living with keratoconus doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of poor vision. With early detection and the right treatment plan, it is possible to slow the progression of the disease and maintain clear vision. At Advanced Eyecare Consultants, we are dedicated to providing personalized keratoconus care tailored to your specific situation.

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or are experiencing symptoms, schedule an eye exam with Advanced Eyecare Consultants to discuss your treatment options. Visit our office in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois. Please call (847) 994-4500 or (847) 438-7700 to book an appointment today.