What is Keratoconus?

It is estimated that more than 1 in 2,000 people have Keratoconus.  It affects both men & women equally and it affects all races.  The exact cause of Keratoconus has not been determined but research into the disease continues.

Keratoconus is a genetically linked eye disease that causes the cornea, the clear outer window of the eye, to become progressively thinner.  This allows the cornea to steepen, often assuming an irregular cone-like shape and inducing high levels of nearsightedness and astigmatism.  Keratoconus is usually present in both eyes but often progresses at different rates.  Excessive eye rubbing has been identified as a cause of worsening Keratoconus.

 

Many patients with Keratoconus can achieve acceptable vision with eyeglasses.  As the condition worsens, contact lenses may be required.  Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses rather than soft contact lenses are often prescribed to compensate for the distortions in the cornea.  Because the pattern of corneal distortion is unique for each patient, custom contact lens fitting is crucial to obtaining optimal vision. 

For patients whose vision cannot be corrected with contact lenses, a corneal transplant may be recommended.  Corneal transplants can provide excellent vision with a low likelihood of graft rejection. 

As an alternative to corneal transplants, tiny plastic Intrastromal ring segments can be surgically implanted within the cornea outside of the visual axis.  These segments can reduce corneal distortions and increase corneal stability. 

Corneal Collage Crosslinking is another relatively new option that can strengthen the corneal layers.  This procedure has been available since 1998 and is currently under study in the United States.  It involves saturating the cornea with Vitamin B2 and exposing it to Ultra Violet light.  This procedure can stop progression of Keratoconus and some patients also regain a line or two of vision after the procedure. 

Once the level of your disease has been determined, you and your Doctor will choose a treatment plan that is best for you.      

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our Corneal Specialist, Sheila Pabon, M.D., please call our office at:  803-794-0000.  Dr. Pabon is currently accepting New Patients.