Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the shape and clarity of the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. In a healthy eye, the cornea is shaped like a dome. However, in keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision and other visual symptoms.
The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some studies suggest that people with a family history of keratoconus may be more likely to develop the condition. Other factors that may contribute to keratoconus include chronic eye rubbing, allergies, and certain medical conditions, such as Down syndrome.
Keratoconus typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood and progresses slowly over time. Common symptoms of keratoconus include blurred or distorted vision, sensitivity to light, increased glare, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. As the condition progresses, vision may become more distorted and difficult to correct with glasses or contact lenses.
What should I do next?
In the early stages of keratoconus, vision can often be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. However, as the cornea continues to thin and bulge, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses may be an option for certain patients.
The main stay of treatment is to monitor if there is progression of the disease.
If progression is noted or advanced signs of Keratoconus are noted on your examination, Dr Gani may advise on corneal cross-linking, corneal intacs, or a corneal transplant. This may be necessary to improve vision and/or slow the progression of the disease.
Corneal cross-linking is a procedure that uses a combination of ultraviolet light and a special type of eye drops to strengthen the cornea, which is the clear outer surface of the eye.
During the cross-linking procedure, the eye drops are applied to the cornea, and the eye is exposed to ultraviolet light. This causes the collagen fibers in the cornea to form stronger chemical bonds, which helps to increase the overall strength and stability of the cornea.
The goal of cross-linking is to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus. Some patients also find an improvement of vision.
Where is this done? More info about what to expect
At Vision Clinic, the procedure is typically performed ‘in-house’ which can save costs and time. Most importantly, we can schedule an appointment and time off work that will suit you.
It usually takes about an hour to complete. After the procedure, patients will need to use eye drops and avoid rubbing their eyes for a period of time to allow the cornea to heal.
Treatment
After Corneal Cross-Linking
During the first week while your eye is healing, it’s important NOT to:
- Touch your eyes unnecessarily
- Get Pool/Dam/Sea/Unclean water in your eyes
- Use eye makeup
- Do heavy exercise
- Be in places that are smoky or dusty
- Wear Sunglasses when outdoors (up to 1 year)
You have been given drops to use at home to help your eyes heal. You will be given a sick note for work for up to 10 days to assist you in your recovery.
Here are some common side effects of cross-linking surgery:
- Feeling like something is in your eye (called “foreign body sensation”)
- Being sensitive to light – Use of sunglasses indoors may help during the 1st week.
- Having dry eye
- Having hazy or blurry vision
- Feeling eye discomfort or mild eye pain
Rarely, cross-linking can cause more serious side effects, including:
- Worsening of keratoconus
- Scarring
- Infection
- Loss of vision
Your vision will be very blurry at first but should gradually improve within two to three weeks.
If you have severe eye pain, or a sudden change/loss of vision, contact us immediately.
Recovery Time
Most people are able to get back to their normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks of cross-linking.
Your vision may not be fully stable for several months. This means your “best-corrected” vision (your eyeglasses or contacts prescription) will likely change during this time. We advise only changing spectacles/lenses after a minimum of 6 months.
While cross-linking does not make your existing corneal bulging and thinning go back to normal, the goal of treatment is to keep keratoconus or ectasia from getting worse. For most people, cross-linking prevents the need for more serious surgery, like a corneal transplant.