Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) gradually thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, causing distorted and blurred vision that cannot be fully corrected with regular glasses.

At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, our specialists understand the unique challenges that keratoconus presents. We provide comprehensive care from early detection through advanced treatment options, helping you maintain the best possible vision and quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus

Keratoconus often begins during the teenage years and may progress for 10-20 years before stabilizing. Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision: Both near and distance vision affected
• Increased sensitivity to light: Glare and halos around lights
• Frequent prescription changes: Rapidly changing eyeglass prescriptions
• Eye strain and headaches: From trying to see clearly
• Double vision in one eye: Monocular diplopia
• Difficulty with night vision: Increased problems in low light
• Eye rubbing: Persistent urge to rub the eyes

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective keratoconus management. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment:

Corneal Topography

Creates detailed maps of your cornea's surface, revealing:

• Corneal curvature irregularities
• Early signs of keratoconus
• Progression monitoring
• Treatment response evaluation

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

High-resolution cross-sectional images that show:

• Corneal thickness measurements
• Structural changes in the cornea
• Detailed anterior segment analysis
• Progression assessment

Scheimpflug Imaging

Three-dimensional corneal analysis providing:

• Elevation maps of front and back corneal surfaces
• Pachymetry (thickness) maps
• Keratoconus progression indices
• Comprehensive anterior segment evaluation

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

The gold standard treatment to halt keratoconus progression:

• How it works: UV light and riboflavin strengthen corneal collagen
• Benefits: Stops or slows disease progression
• Success rate: Over 90% success in halting progression
• Recovery: Minimal downtime with protective contact lens
• Long-term: One-time treatment with lasting results

Specialty Contact Lenses

Scleral Contact Lenses

• Large diameter lenses that vault over the cornea
• Create a smooth optical surface for clear vision
• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Excellent option for advanced keratoconus

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

• Custom-fitted to your corneal shape
• Provide sharp, clear vision
• Available in various designs for different stages
• Cost-effective vision correction option

Hybrid Contact Lenses

• Rigid center for clear vision
• Soft outer ring for comfort
• Combines benefits of both lens types
• Good option for lens intolerance

Intacs (Corneal Ring Segments)

Tiny plastic ring segments inserted into the cornea to:

• Flatten the corneal curve
• Improve vision quality
• Delay need for corneal transplant
• Reversible procedure

Corneal Transplantation

For advanced cases when other treatments are insufficient:

• Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP): Full-thickness corneal replacement
• Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): Partial-thickness transplant
• Benefits: Excellent visual outcomes in most cases
• Recovery: Gradual healing over 12-18 months

Stages of Keratoconus

Stage 1 (Mild)

• Slight corneal steepening
• Vision correctable with glasses
• Minimal symptoms
• Treatment: Monitoring, glasses, soft contacts

Stage 2 (Moderate)

• Increased corneal irregularity
• Glasses less effective
• Contact lenses needed for clear vision
• Treatment: Specialty contact lenses, consider CXL

Stage 3 (Advanced)

• Significant corneal thinning and steepening
• Possible corneal scarring
• Specialty lenses required
• Treatment: Advanced lens fitting, Intacs, CXL

Stage 4 (Severe)

• Extreme corneal distortion
• Central scarring
• Contact lens intolerance possible
• Treatment: Corneal transplantation may be necessary

What to Expect During Your Visit

1. Comprehensive Examination: Complete eye health assessment
2. Advanced Imaging: Corneal topography and OCT scans
3. Keratoconus Evaluation: Staging and progression assessment
4. Treatment Discussion: Personalized options based on your needs
5. Treatment Planning: Step-by-step approach to your care
6. Follow-up Schedule: Regular monitoring appointments

Living with Keratoconus

With proper treatment and care, most people with keratoconus can maintain good functional vision and quality of life. Important considerations include:

• Regular monitoring: Essential for tracking progression
• Avoid eye rubbing: Can worsen the condition
• UV protection: Wear sunglasses outdoors
• Allergy management: Control conditions that cause eye rubbing
• Compliance with treatment: Follow prescribed care plans