Is Keratoconus Treatable?

Posted on: 09/27/18

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal degeneration that results in thinning of the cornea and bulging of the lower cornea. Many factors play a role in the development of keratoconus, notably genetics and rubbing of the eyes. In advanced cases, the eye can become painful and require a corneal transplant. With keratoncous, oftentimes glasses and contact lenses are inadequate in improving vision. Currently there is no cure for keratoconus, but there are several surgical options to stabilize the eye and improve vision.

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a procedure that involves using Vitamin B2 and UV light to halt the progression of this condition. While this procedure usually does not improve vision, it prevents the need of a corneal transplant 249/250 times. This procedure is highly effective in stabilizing the corneal and preventing further corneal thinning and irregular bulging. CXL is highly recommended for every keratoconic patient.

INTACTS are essentially brackets or braces that are placed inside the cornea itself. These brackets help restore a more regular shape to the cornea rather than the highly irregular shape seen with keratoconus. By restoring a more normal shape to the cornea, the eye will be capable of much improved vision. Whereas before, glasses and contact lenses would not work well, after CXL and INTACS a keratoconic patient will now be able to more effectively use glasses and/or contact lenses to see better. In some cases these patients are even able to have a LASIK-type procedure to improve vision, thus allowing the patient to see well with no correction at all!

If you or anyone you know has keratoconus, feel free to schedule an appointment at Cutarelli Vision to discuss treatment options for your eyes!

By: Dr. Kaleb Abbott