What is Keratoconus?
Simply put, keratoconus is a progressive disease of the eye that affects the shape and structure of the cornea. Normally round in shape, the cornea starts to thin out and bulge into a cone-like shape, which deflects the light entering the eye on its way to the retina, causing distorted vision. As the shape of the cornea begins to deteriorate further, nearsightedness can develop along with abnormal astigmatism, which can worsen the condition. In addition to distorted vision, patients experience glare and light sensitivity, as well as fluctuations in their vision clarity and strength, often resulting in complications such as streaking, multiple images, and increased sensitivity to light.
Keratoconus is very common around the world and can start to develop as early as the teenage years in some cases.
Keratoconus Symptoms
Keratoconus often affects both eyes and can lead to a very different vision level between the two eyes. Its symptoms can differ from one eye to another and can change over time.
In the initial stage, keratoconus symptoms include:
- Soft blurring of vision
- Slightly disfigured vision, where straight fine lines look curved or bent
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
In later stages, keratoconus symptoms often include:
- More distorted vision and increased blurriness
- Increased astigmatism or nearsightedness
- Eye redness and eye pain
- Difficulty wearing lenses, as they may no longer fit properly and become uncomfortable
What Causes Keratoconus?
To treat the condition more effectively, we must understand how it develops in the first place. Although the causes are not well established, various studies on keratoconus suggest a link between the disease and an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea. This imbalance makes the cornea more susceptible to oxidative damage from free radicals, leading to deterioration and bulging of the corneal structure.
Patients may be genetically predisposed to keratoconus, as the condition has been known to occur in multiple members of the same family. That’s why it is recommended that first-degree relatives of keratoconus patients undergo evaluation, as they are more susceptible than others.
Beyond genetics, other factors contribute to the development of keratoconus, including excessive exposure to harmful UV rays from sunlight, vigorous eye rubbing, and poorly fitted contact lenses that cause chronic eye irritation.
Treatments
The treatment for keratoconus depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of the case. There are two primary treatment approaches:
- Collagen Cross-Linking: Corneal cross-linking is a procedure used to strengthen the cornea. During this treatment, the doctor uses a special ultraviolet light and specific eye drops (usually vitamin B-12) to strengthen the cornea and its collagen fibers. This helps flatten or stabilize the cornea, preventing further swelling. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and lasts about half an hour.
- Corneal Transplant: If the disease is in its late stages, a corneal transplant may be required. Vision may vary significantly after the transplant, improving gradually over time, sometimes taking up to a year to stabilize.
The Day of Surgery
Surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis. Upon arrival, you will be given eye drops and medication to help you relax. The procedure is painless. The eye is numbed, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. The eyelids are gently opened, and the doctor removes the diseased cornea, replacing it with a thin donor cornea. Once the operation is complete, additional work may be done if necessary. A protective shield is often placed over the eye.
After Surgery
If you are an outpatient, you will have a short recovery time before going home. Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for the next day.
You will need to:
- Avoid pressing or rubbing your eyes
- Continue normal daily activities except for exercise
- Use eye drops as prescribed
- Wear eyeglasses as advised by your doctor
Depending on the healing rate, your ophthalmologist will determine when to remove the stitches.
How Royal Spanish Center’s Expert Doctors Treat Keratoconus
We recommend visiting the Royal Spanish Ophthalmology Center if you have any of the above symptoms. Our experienced physicians will conduct the necessary tests and determine the best treatment for your condition. You can be assured that the Royal Spanish Center offers the best facilities and equipment for treating keratoconus, allowing you to regain clear vision. Book your consultation today!
Contact us for your Keratoconus consultation today!
If you’re looking for fast, efficient, and affordable Keratoconus surgery in Abu Dhabi, the Royal Spanish Center can help you out with consultation sessions and discounts of up to 15%!
Our Services:
Spanish Center for Eyes, LASIK, and Cosmetics offers comprehensive eye-care packages for international patients. Our dedicated professionals will take care of all aspects, from helping to plan the package to ensuring your treatment period is comfortable and hassle-free.
