Conical cornea
(Keratoconus)
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the cornea, making it become asymmetrical.. The cornea is the transparent, outermost part of the eye. Normally, the cornea is round. In the case of keratoconus, the structure of the cornea weakens, and therefore it loses its roundness and becomes more conical in shape. Because of this gradual deformation, the cornea thins and visual acuity decreases. In extreme cases, the cornea may even become cloudy and tear.
Symptoms of keratoconus
- Distorted vision
- Light sensitivity
- Light scattering
- Astigmatism
- Possible nearsightedness (objects or people at a distance appear blurred)
- Seeing a ‘fog’ (at an advanced stage)
Treatment of keratoconus
The diagnosis is made by carrying out various tests. The aim of the tests is, on the one hand, to correctly assess the irregularity of the cornea, and on the other hand, to carefully monitor the progression of the condition over time. The tests check what glasses prescription enable you to see the best. Moreover, the curvature of the cornea is measured and the cornea is imaged in three dimensions. Based on these tests, your eye doctor can detect any further deterioration of the condition very precisely at an early stage.
The aim of the treatment of keratoconus is twofold:
- Optimising your visual acuity
- Slowing or halting further deterioration
Optimising your visual acuity
In mild cases of keratoconus, vision can be improved effectively with glasses or contact lenses. For more advanced cases, special ‘scleral contact lenses’ are needed to restore visual acuity.
Slowing or halting deterioration
It has been shown that rubbing the eyes leads to further deformation of the cornea. Therefore, it is essential to avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible. Your eye doctor will treat the underlying causes of itchy eyes.
In some cases, avoiding rubbing your eyes is not enough to stop the deterioration. In such situations, your eye doctor will discuss with you the possibility of a treatment involving corneal cross-linking.
What treatments do we offer?
- Corneal cross-linking
- Intacs
In this simple procedure, 2 tiny crescent-shaped implants are placed into the cornea to support the cornea and correct its shape. This will improve vision and increase the chance that you will be able to wear contact lenses again. After an Intacs procedure your eyesight may further improve for at least 6 months after the operation. Moreover, this is a reversible procedure, since the rings can easily be removed again.
How much does treatment of keratoconus cost?
During the consultation, we will discuss in detail the total cost of a potential treatment. For an overview, please go to our fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is keratoconus and what are the symptoms?
Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea weakens and gradually takes on a cone-like shape instead of its normal round shape. Symptoms include distorted vision, light sensitivity, and light scattering or glare. The condition often appears at a young age (between 10 and 20 years old) and affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people. Heredity and excessive eye rubbing are known risk factors.
Can you go blind from keratoconus?
Keratoconus does not lead to complete blindness, but visual sharpness can decrease significantly. Due to the progressive deformation of the cornea, vision becomes increasingly blurry, and in advanced stages scarring may occur. In very rare cases, the cornea can rupture, making a corneal transplant necessary to improve vision.
Which lenses are suitable for keratoconus?
In mild cases of keratoconus, vision can be improved with glasses or soft contact lenses. In more advanced cases, special rigid gas permeable, scleral, or hybrid contact lenses are needed to achieve clear vision. A characteristic feature of keratoconus is irregular astigmatism, which cannot be fully corrected with ordinary glasses. At Medipolis, these specialized lenses can be custom fitted.
What is corneal cross-linking and how is keratoconus treated with it?
Corneal cross-linking strengthens the collagen fibers of the cornea and can prevent further progression in up to 90% of cases. The eye is treated with vitamin B2 eye drops and then exposed to ultraviolet light. The procedure takes about 20 minutes under local anesthesia. After approximately three days, vision begins to clear and daily activities can usually be resumed.
Is keratoconus hereditary and can the condition be cured?
Keratoconus can be hereditary. Family members of patients have a higher risk of developing the condition. A complete cure is currently not possible, but the disease usually stabilizes after the age of 30. It is important to avoid rubbing the eyes as much as possible, because this further weakens the cornea. If that is not sufficient, cross-linking can slow down the progression in 90% of cases.