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Keratoconus & Cross-linking

corneal disease keratoconus

What is Keratoconus & Cross-linking?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye) gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion affects the cornea’s ability to focus light properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision, glare, and sensitivity to light. Keratoconus typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can worsen over time, severely impacting daily activities like reading and driving.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye) gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion affects the cornea’s ability to focus light properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision, glare, and sensitivity to light. Keratoconus typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can worsen over time, severely impacting daily activities like reading and driving.

Symptoms of Keratoconus:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Frequent changes in prescription for glasses or contact lenses
  • Difficulty seeing at night

Cross-Linking: A Breakthrough Treatment

Corneal Cross-Linking is an innovative treatment designed to halt the progression of keratoconus. It strengthens the cornea by using a combination of ultraviolet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) to create new bonds between the collagen fibres in the cornea, making it more rigid and stable. This minimally invasive procedure is highly effective in preventing further deterioration of vision and the need for corneal transplants in advanced cases.

How Cross-Linking Works:

  1. Application of Riboflavin: Riboflavin drops are applied to the surface of the cornea to saturate the tissue.
  2. UV Light Exposure: After sufficient absorption, the eye is exposed to controlled UV light, which activates the riboflavin, strengthening the collagen fibres in the cornea.
  3. Healing Period: Over the following weeks, the cornea gradually stabilizes, and the progression of keratoconus is halted.

Benefits of Cross-Linking:

  • Slows or stops the progression of keratoconus
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Short recovery time, typically a few days to weeks
  • Reduces the need for more invasive procedures like corneal transplants in the future

Is Cross-Linking Right for You?

Cross-linking is most effective when performed in the early stages of keratoconus, before significant corneal thinning or vision loss occurs. It is typically recommended for patients with progressive keratoconus to stabilize the cornea and prevent further deterioration.

Comprehensive Care for Keratoconus

In addition to cross-linking, we offer a variety of solutions to manage keratoconus, including custom contact lenses (such as scleral lenses) and other corrective options to improve vision. Our team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition, ensuring the long-term health of your corneas.

If you are experiencing symptoms of keratoconus or have been diagnosed with the condition, we are here to help you explore all your treatment options.