Keratoconus is a degenerative condition which can rob a person of their vision. The condition results from damage to the links in your corneal tissue, and as these links are disrupted, the cornea begins to bulge. If you have keratoconus, you will need vision correction, but you will most likely also need treatments that are meant to counteract its effects.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Because soft contacts mold to the surface of your eye, they may not be effective in improving vision with keratoconus. Instead, your doctor may prescribe rigid gas permeable, or RGP lenses. Because these lenses hold their shape, they should create a uniform surface which will improve your vision and give you optimal eyesight. For improved comfort, you may look for rigid lenses with a ring of soft material around the rim of the lens. Whatever vision correction you receive will not stop your vision form worsening, so you may need other treatments.
Corneal Implants
Bulges in your cornea will change the way light refracts through the corneal tissue and thus cause vision distortion. One way to return your cornea to its regular shape is to place an implant in the mid layer of the cornea. This implant will tighten the surface of your cornea and thus help to return it to its natural shape. Corneal implants can be used to improve your vision with keratoconus, but they will not stop the condition from worsening.
Corneal Crosslinking
One way to slow down if not stop the progression of keratoconus is to receive a corneal crosslinking treatment. During such a treatment, your eyes will be treated with riboflavin drops and UV light. The purpose of this treatment is to strengthen the links between the layers of your cornea. Thus, crosslinking can further deterioration, but it will not reverse any damage done prior to the treatment. You can receive corneal implants after a crosslinking procedure. The combination of these treatments should stop the progression as well as improve your vision. You may, however, still need contacts to get the best vision possible.
Corneal Transplant
In the worst-case scenario, your cornea will have to be excised and replaced. Corneal surgery has a long recovery period, and even after the procedure, you may still have persistent vision problems. You may also have eye discomfort. Because of the risks and consequences involved with cornea transplants, you should take every step to avoid the need to receive a transplant.
There was a time when receiving the news that you had keratoconus meant that you faced the real possibility of losing your eyesight. However, with today's technologies, you should be able to save your vision through one or a combination of the treatments described above.
For more information, contact Linden Optometry PC or a similar location.
Share16 July 2015
Hi there, I am Sophie Moye. I would like to help you learn what to expect during your yearly eye exam. Whether you have perfect vision or need corrective lenses, you must have an eye exam performed on a regular basis. The eye exam also identifies health problems that show symptoms through your eye condition. Furthermore, your eye doctor can create a vision baseline that can be used to gauge loss or improvement in the future. I hope to discuss the tools and techniques used to complete the eye exam. I will also discuss symptoms that eye doctors look for during the exams. My site will cover all of the health conditions that can be diagnosed using an eye exam. Thank you for your time.
