Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition the affects the cornea, leading to significant vision problems if left untreated. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we are committed to providing the latest and most effective treatments for our patients. This article provides a comprehensive overview of keratoconus, historical treatments, and recent advancements in procedures including Corneal Crosslinking (CXL) and Advanced Laser Keratoplasty with Regional Segments (ALKRS).
Understanding Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, which is a clear, dome-shaped window that focuses light into your eye. Keratoconus occurs when the cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. The change in shape brings the light out of focus, resulting in blurry and distorted vision.
Causes of Keratoconus:
While the exact cause of keratoconus is not well known, it is believed to have a genetic component. Approximately 1 out of 10 people with keratoconus have a parent with the condition. Other factors may include:
- Eye allergies
- Excessive eye rubbing
- Connective tissue disorders
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Keratoconus
Typically starting in late teens to early 20s, Keratoconus progresses over 10 to 20 years. It often affects both eyes, though the severity can differ between the two. Early symptoms may include:
- Mild blurring
- Slightly distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Eye redness or swelling
In later stages, symptoms can include significantly blurred and distorted vision, increased nearsightedness, astigmatism, and difficulty and discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
Keratoconus can be detected during a routine eye exam. Your primary eye doctor will examine the cornea and take measurements of its curvature to detect changes in shape. Corneal mapping can also provide a detailed image of the surface, helping to confirm the condition.
Historical Treatments for Keratoconus
In the past, treatment options for keratoconus were limited and/or involved invasive procedures. Often, eyeglasses or soft contacts were used just to correct the nearsightedness and astigmatism. As the condition progressed, doctors used the following methods:
- Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses: These lenses provide a smooth, stable surface to correct vision and act as a second surface for the eye. They compensate for the cornea’s irregularities and function as the eye’s new reflective surface.
- Corneal Transplant: When all other treatments failed, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) was used as a last resort. During this procedure, a damaged cornea was replaced with a healthy donor cornea. While generally effective, this procedure has a lengthy recovery period and a higher risk of infection and rejection.
Modern Advancements in Keratoconus Treatment
In recent years, significant advancements have been made, offering less invasive options with promising outcomes.
- Corneal Crosslinking (CXL): Corneal Crosslinking is a minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue to halt the progression of keratoconus. During CXL, drops are applied to the cornea, and then exposed to ultraviole
nt (UV) light. The UV light activates the drops creating bonds between collagen fibers in the cornea, increasing its strength and rigidity. This procedure can stabilize keratoconus and, in some cases, even improve shape and vision.
- Advanced Laser Keratoplasty with Regional Segments (ALKRS): ALKRS is an innovative treatment that uses donor corneal tissue in a ring layer of the cornea. The donor tissue is cut to an exact size, allowing the surgeon to target the most irregular sections of the cornea. Unlike a full cornea transplant, ALKRS tissue is placed into a pocket within the natural cornea created by a laser during the procedure. The approach, often done in conjunction with Crosslinking, provides a more customized treatment with a faster recovery.
What to Expect After Treatment
Vision following keratoconus treatment can vary. Typically, one eye is operated on at a time, allowing patients to return to their normal activities within a few days. Glasses or contact lens prescriptions may change for a few months after the procedure, and the other eye is treated once the first eye is stabilized.
Patients are advised to avoid submerging in water for two weeks to prevent contaminated water from getting into the eye. Additionally, controlling allergies, avoiding eye rubbing, and not sleeping on your face are essential to prevent keratoconus progression.
Conclusion
Keratoconus treatments have evolved dramatically, providing patients with more effective and less invasive options. Corneal Crosslinking and Advanced Laser Keratoplasty with Regional Segments represent significant advancements, offering new hope for those affected by this challenging condition. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring our patients receive the best possible care. If you are experiencing any symptoms of keratoconus or discomfort in your eyes, call Minnesota Eye Consultants to schedule an appointment at (952) 888-5800 or request an appointment.
