Keratoconus evaluation and management

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, gradually thins and becomes cone-shaped. This abnormal shape causes light to enter the eye incorrectly, leading to blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. While keratoconus is a rare condition, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing significant vision loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• Halos or glare around lights
• Double vision in one eye
• Eye strain or discomfort

Keratoconus Diagnosis: How We Evaluate the Condition

At our clinic, Dr. Ashwin Shetty and Dr. Soumya Shetty offer comprehensive keratoconus evaluations using the latest diagnostic technologies. The evaluation process includes:

1. Detailed Eye Exam: A thorough eye exam to assess the overall health of your eyes and check for any abnormalities in the cornea.
2. Corneal Topography: This non-invasive test creates a detailed map of the cornea, helping identify irregularities in shape, curvature, and thickness—key indicators of keratoconus.
3. Pachymetry: This measures the thickness of the cornea, as thinning is a hallmark of keratoconus.
4. Retinoscopy: A test used to measure refractive errors and assess how light enters the eye.
5. Slit-Lamp Examination: A magnified view of the cornea and the surrounding structures to check for any signs of keratoconus or other eye conditions.

Keratoconus Treatment: Management Options

Early intervention can help slow down the progression of keratoconus and improve vision. Dr. Ashwin Shetty and Dr. Soumya Shetty offer a range of keratoconus management options, depending on the severity of the condition:

1. Glasses and Contact Lenses: In the early stages of keratoconus, specialized contact lenses (such as rigid gas permeable lenses, scleral lenses, or hybrid lenses) are often used to correct vision. Regular glasses may also help with minor refractive errors.
2. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): This advanced treatment involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) to the cornea and activating it with ultraviolet (UV) light. This strengthens the corneal tissue and can halt the progression of keratoconus.
3. Intacs: These are small, curved devices inserted into the cornea to help reshape it, improving vision. Intacs are typically recommended for patients who are not candidates for a corneal transplant.
4. Collagen Cross-Linking with Riboflavin (CXL): This procedure can significantly slow the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the corneal structure and preventing further thinning.
5. Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty): In severe cases where other treatments do not provide adequate vision improvement, a corneal transplant may be required. This involves replacing the damaged cornea with a donor cornea.
6. Topography-Guided Custom LASIK: In certain cases, LASIK surgery can be used to treat keratoconus, especially when combined with topography-guided technology to customize the procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Ashwin Shetty and Dr. Soumya Shetty for Keratoconus Care?

• Expertise and Experience: Both Dr. Ashwin Shetty and Dr. Soumya Shetty are highly experienced ophthalmologists with specialization in keratoconus diagnosis and management. They stay updated with the latest advancements in eye care.
• Advanced Technology: Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment options to provide the best care for keratoconus patients.
• Personalized Care: We understand that every patient is different. Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual based on the severity of their condition and their specific vision needs.
• Holistic Approach: We offer not only medical treatment but also guidance on how to manage lifestyle changes and eye health for optimal results.

FAQs About Keratoconus

1. What causes keratoconus?

Keratoconus is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It often runs in families, and people with conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Marfan syndrome may have an increased risk.

2. Can keratoconus be treated?

Yes, keratoconus can be managed effectively, especially when detected early. Treatment options include specialized contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, Intacs, and, in severe cases, a corneal transplant.

3. How long does corneal cross-linking take?

Corneal cross-linking is typically a one-time procedure that takes about 30-60 minutes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and recovery time is relatively short, with significant improvement in corneal strength.

4. Is keratoconus surgery painful?

The pain associated with keratoconus treatments, including corneal cross-linking or Intacs, is usually minimal. Anesthesia is used during procedures to ensure you are comfortable. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, which typically resolves quickly.

5. What are the chances of successful treatment for keratoconus?

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, keratoconus can be managed successfully in the majority of cases. Procedures like corneal cross-linking can halt the progression of the disease and improve vision significantly.