Understanding the Treatment Options If You Have Been Diagnosed with Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive condition which can impact both eyes. In most cases, however, one eye is usually more severely impacted than the other. Keratoconus causes the cornea, which is normally round, to thin which causes the cornea to bulge into a cone-like shape. Due to this abnormal shape, light is deflected as it enters the eye which causes distorted vision. Although being diagnosed with Keratoconus can feel scary, there are different Keratoconus treatment options that can help to address your vision issues.
What Causes Keratoconus?
There are several reasons why you may develop Keratoconus. It’s possible that you may be genetically predisposed to this condition. However, there is also the possibility that you may develop Keratoconus as a result of severe eye rubbing.
Symptoms Associated with Keratoconus
Symptoms of Keratoconus usually start to manifest anywhere between 10 and 25 years old. Some of the common symptoms associated with this condition can include:
- Distorted or blurred vision
- Worsening or cloudy vision
- Light sensitivity
- Frequently changing the prescription for your glasses.
Diagnosing Keratoconus
At the Miami Contact Lens Institute, our eye doctors do everything that they can to make the process of diagnosing Keratoconus easy and stress free. If it’s suspected that you have Keratoconus, we will perform a thorough eye exam and speak with you at length about any ocular health issues that your family may have. Another Keratoconus testing option that we offer is AvaGen Genetic Testing. This revolutionary type of testing can alert us to early indicators of genetic risk of Keratoconus and also other forms of corneal genetic dystrophies. After collecting a sample through a mouth swab, our eye doctors will send this sample to a lab which will complete a thorough report regarding any possible concerns including risks of Keratoconus.
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Keratoconus Treatment Options
There are different treatment options that you have to address Keratoconus. Here are some examples:
- Scleral lenses
Scleral lenses are one of the most effective treatment options available for Keratoconus. These revolutionary contact lenses are custom-made for you which helps to improve your overall comfort when you’re wearing them. Scleral lenses sit on the conjunctiva overlying the sclera, which is the white part of the eye, and vaults over the cornea which can help to reduce discomfort that people with corneal irregularities often experience when wearing traditional contact lenses. At the Miami Contact Lens Institute, we utilize sMap3D technology. This non-invasive way of eye mapping and fitting takes less than 5 minutes.
- Corneal Collagen Crosslinking
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive in-office procedure. During the procedure, eye doctors use an eyedrop medication along with an ultraviolet light to strengthen the tissues in your cornea. The goal of this procedure is to prevent the cornea from bulging any further. The term “crosslinking” comes from the bonds that are added between the collagen fibers in your eye which will help to keep the cornea stable. It’s important to remember that you will likely still need to wear scleral lenses or specialty lenses after this procedure, Corneal Collagen Crosslinking can help to halt the progression of Keratoconus. We do not offer this treatment but we work with wonderful practitioners who do.
Learn More About Keratoconus by Scheduling an Appointment
Our optometrists are here to provide you with the resources and eye care assistance that you need to be able to manage Keratoconus. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Keratoconus or you have a family history of the condition, we recommend that you get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment. We will help you to develop a treatment plan so that Keratoconus isn’t something that needs to hold you back from enjoying your life.
Testimonial from Neka, Satisfied Patient
I’ve been going to Dr. Kramer for about 8 months, and it’s been a very good experience. She’s patient and has been very good with seeing me in a timely manner upon arrival to the office. The staff is very nice and helpful as well. I highly recommend this office!