Keratoconus

Keratoconusis the most well-known corneal ectasia (degenerative corneal thinning).

Corneal thinning involves a deformity, similar to a cone, usually in the lower middle of the cornea. Consequently, an irregular astigmatism is created, drastically diminishing visual acuity. Symptoms are blurriness, image deformity and photophobia; symptoms appear gradually during the second decade of life and affect both eyes.

In the most advanced stages of keratoconus, the loss of physiological integrity in the cornea produces corneal irregularities (Vogt's striae, edematization, loss of corneal transparency, etc).

Treatment for keratoconus will depend upon its current stage of development, with an initial goal of correcting the vision loss in the best possible way (corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses). Contact lenses usually provide higher vision quality and comfort, creating a more regular surface over the cornea, and at the same time compensating for the refractive state.

We now offer certain innovative treatments such as corneal cross linking or stiffening of the cornea, intracorneal rings in order to reinforce and shape the deformed cornea, as well as Orto-K contact lens adaptation (applied in early phases in order to help stop or slow down development of the disease).

In the most advanced cases, surgical treatment (penetrating keratoplasty) is the best option.