About Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes thinning and distortion of the front of the eye (the cornea). This results in reduced vision. The condition is present from birth but does not affect vision until teenage years.

Keratoconus affects approximately 1 person in every 1000. The exact caus is uncertain, but a generic link seems likely, as the incidence rate is greater if a family member has been diagnosed. Often people with keratoconus suffer from seasonal allergies and asthma, and associated rubbing of the eyes can make the condition worse.

Diagnois of keratoconus is confirmed after symptoms of distorted or reduced vision are linked with characteristic findings by examination of the cornea.

Because every person’s visual needs are different, The Keratoconus Care Clinic aims to tailor appropriate individual treatment to stabilise vision. Regular monitoring using state of the art equipment is required to ensure treatment is instigated at appropriate stages of the condition

Treatment Options

Glasses
Often glasses help in the early stages, but may need changing frequently. As the condition progresses, even with the best glasses prescription, vision may be distorted and blurry as the lenses may vary significantly between the two eyes.

Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses may not improve vision adequately. Rigid contact lenses are often a better option.
Riboflavin and Cross-Linking
This safe new treatment stabilises vision and delays initial progression of the condition by strengthening the cornea. Glasses or contact lenses still need to be worn after the procedure.

Corneal Transplant
10-25% of keratoconus cases progress to a point where vision correction with glasses or contact lenses is no longer possible. Today transplants that are not full thickness are possible, which means little risk of rejection and quicker visual recovery following surgery.