Keratoconus (bulging of the eye’s cornea) is a rare eye disease that can drastically distort vision. Early detection and treatment is key; if left untreated, vision can degrade rapidly.
If you have begun to experience blurry, distorted vision, the eye surgeons at Mack Eye Center can determine whether keratoconus is the cause. Our experienced eye surgeons have years of experience diagnosing and treating eye conditions, including keratoconus. Contact us today or continue to read below to learn what can be done to restore your vision.
Testing for Keratoconus
Early detection of keratoconus is difficult because many of the condition’s symptoms are similar to those of other eye diseases. A trusted eye doctor at Mack Eye Center can perform a comprehensive eye exam to identify early-stage keratoconus. Our eye doctors use an array of advanced tools and tests to effectively diagnose the corneal disease, including:
Slit-Lamp Exam
A slit-lamp is a binocular microscope used to examine the structures of your eyes, including your corneas, under high magnification. During the slit-lamp exam, you will be asked to place your forehead and chin against the rests on the front of the instrument. Your eye doctor will look for common symptoms of keratoconus such as corneal thinning and a cone-shaped appearance.
Corneal Topography
Corneal topography is a computer-assisted instrument that creates a three-dimensional map of the surface curvature of the cornea. This non-invasive tool produces a map of the cornea that allows our doctors to assess the condition of the cornea’s surface. A medical device called a pachymeter is then used to measure the thickness of the eye’s cornea, revealing early signs and progression of the disease.
Treatment Options for Keratoconus
If our eye doctors have diagnosed you with keratoconus, they will thoroughly discuss your treatment options with you. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and your overall eye health. For instance, early-stage keratoconus can be treated with rigid, gas permeable contact lenses. These contact lenses are made of a rigid lens material, enabling the lenses to vault over the cornea, replacing its irregular shape with a smooth surface to improve vision. However, once the condition progresses, other treatment options may be necessary, including:
Intacs
Intacs are surgically applied corneal implants used when patients can no longer properly see with contact lenses or eyeglasses. Through a minimally invasive procedure, the semi-circular implants are placed just under the eye’s surface in the periphery of the cornea, reshaping the cornea for clearer vision.
Collagen Crosslinking
Collagen crosslinking (CXL) is an innovative, in-office procedure that applies a combination of vitamin B2 drops and ultraviolet light to the eye, strengthening collagen fiber bonding. The riboflavin stimulates new connections between collagen strands within the cornea, strengthening the whole structure. Depending on the severity of the condition, contact lenses may still be needed even after collagen crosslinking is done. But because collagen crosslinking flattens the cornea, contact lens wear is much more comfortable. In some cases, Intacs may be implanted after crosslinking to further enhance vision.
Let Us Restore Your Vision
To learn more about your keratoconus treatment options or to schedule a diagnosis appointment, please call Mack Eye Center today at (847) 755-9393.
