What are the latest Keratoconus Treatments?
Currently, there is not a cure for Keratoconus, however, options for treatment include surgery or a speciality scleral contact lens fitting, sometimes both. Additionally, options may be scleral contact lenses include rigid gas permeable lenses and hybrid lenses. Depending on the cornea, soft lenses may even be an option; Dr. Dryer will evaluate your eyes for the best option.
Contact lenses are typically preferred over eye glasses because they correct the imperfections of an eye with Keratoconus.
Scleral contact lenses have evolved in the last several years as the best option for treating patients with Keratoconus. Scleral lenses are extremely comfortable for patients while providing the clearest vision possible.
The cornea is the most sensitive part of the eye and because a sclera bridges the cornea, scleral are much more comfortable for patients than corneal rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses.
Additionally, scleral lenses are the best solution for patients with dry eye, high amounts of astigmatism, after refractive surgery or with a history of corneal thinning.
Keratoconus Symptoms:
Symptoms include:
• Distorted vision that is unable to be corrected adequately with glasses
• Lines look wavy and curved
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Eye redness or swelling
Keratoconus Causes
Current research suggests that in Keratoconus patients, corneal tissue may become weak because of an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea.
Furthermore, because the cornea is more susceptible to damage from free radicals, it weakens. As the cornea weakens, the cornea becomes more like a cone at the bottom.
The typical age of disease onset is 10-25 years and may change for 10 years.
In some cases, it appears to be genetic. Studies show 10% of those with Keratoconus have a parent with the disease. In contrast, in other cases, Keratoconus is also associated with eye allergies,and excessive eye rubbing.
In conclusion, we do not know the exact cause of the disease. Most likely, it is a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.
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