Keratoconus: Dodging the cones

One in every 1,000 to 2,000 Americans is affected by Keratoconus, a degenerative disorder of the eye. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and change, resulting in a more conical shape instead of a gradual curve.

Keratoconus can cause vision distortion, streaking and sensitivity to light. It is typically diagnosed during childhood and gets worse into the twenties and thirties. The deterioration in vision can affect one’s ability to perform daily tasks like driving or reading.

The great news is that the treatment options for this debilitating disease have been progressing in the recent years. Previously, there were only two treatment options. A patient was given contact lenses to get the best possible vision. Once the contact lenses failed, the only option was a corneal transplant, which is less than optimal as there are serious long term complications, risks and vision issues associated with such a transplant.

Now at Mann Eye Institute, we offer several treatments to improve keratoconic patients’ vision and most importantly, prevent patients from having to undergo a corneal transplant. Our newest treatment option is collagen crosslinking.

Corneal collagen crosslinking (or CXR) is a procedure that is done to actually change the chemical make-up of the cornea. The cornea is exposed to a medicine (riboflavin) and then treated with a UV light. These two things combine to make new bonds within the cornea which strengthens it and creates a more rounded (less conical) shape.

CXR has been performed throughout the world for many years and is the primary surgical intervention in all European countries. It is newer in the US and has yet to be FDA approved, though studies are being performed to gain that approval and those of us who are passionate about doing what is best for our patients are offering the procedure with the proper informed consent.

CXR is just one of the treatments options available at Mann Eye Institute. If you are suffering from keratoconus, please schedule an appointment with us so we can help get your vision to its optimal state.

Photo credit: Eyerobics.com