info@safwalaservision.com +2(03) 4222227
info@safwalaservision.com +2(03) 4222227
A common corneal disease in the Middle East and countries with a warm temperate climate.
It usually presents during puberty with a decrease in vision in one eye because of myopia
(near sightedness) and astigmatism. The decrease in vision is usually progressive requiring several prescription changes. Initially the error can be corrected but as irregular astigmatism sets in it becomes more and more difficult, until severe uncorrectable visual loss sets in. About half of normal fellow eyes will progress within 15 years. Some patients complain of severe sudden decrease in vision with pain, a complication referred to as Acute hydrops which requires immediate treatment.
Diagnosis is usually made by a careful ophthalmological examination, and investigative tools such as the pentacam or topography.
Treatment options include reducing the progression of the disease using cross linking and correcting the error using rigid contact lenses, ICR ( implantable corneal rings) and if the disease is in the advanced stages with scarring keratoplasty ( corneal graft) techniques.
Keratoconus occurs when your cornea — the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye — thins and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape.
A cone-shaped cornea causes blurred vision and may cause sensitivity to light and glare. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes and generally occurs in people ages 10 to 25. The condition may progress slowly for 10 years or longer.
Vision problems can be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses early on in the condition. As keratoconus progresses, you may have to be fitted with rigid gas permeable contact lenses or other types of contact lenses. Advanced keratoconus may require a cornea transplant
Signs and symptoms of keratoconus may change as the disease progresses.
They include:
The cause of keratoconus is unknown. Keratoconus may be associated with vigorous rubbing of your eyes with allergy or keratoconjunctivitis. It can also occur from wearing contact lenses for several years. It is very common amongst people living in warm climates including Egypt.
Safwa Laser Vision has some of the leaders in the field of diagnosing and treating keratoconus. We also have a wide range of different tools to help us accurately make the diagnosis, maintain follow ups and mark progression. To diagnose keratoconus, our ophthalmologists will review your symptoms and medical history and conduct a routine eye examination Tests to diagnose keratoconus include:
Eye refraction. In this standard vision test, your eye doctor uses special equipment that measures your eyes to check for astigmatism and other vision problems. High errors may be diagnostic.
Slit-lamp examination: In this test, your doctor directs a vertical beam of light on the surface of your eye and uses a low-powered microscope to view your eye. Your doctor will evaluate the shape of your cornea and look for other potential problems in your cornea or other parts of your eye.
Keratometric readings: Your doctor measures the maximum and minimum curvature of the cornea. High readings are suspicious.
Corneal Pentacam: Safwa Laser Vision has the Oculyzer II which is the latest in corneal imaging technology. Using this device we will be able to accurately diagnose keratoconus by measuring corneal curvature and thickness accurately over the entire cornea.
At Safwa Laser Vision, our consultants and specialists have a wide experience in managing keratoconus. Some of our eminent staff are pioneers in the field so you can expect the latest treatment modalities to be on offer to our patients.
Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of your condition and how quickly the condition is progressing.
Mild to moderate keratoconus can be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses. For most people, the cornea will become stable after a few years. You often won’t experience severe vision problems and require further treatment.
In some people with keratoconus, however, the cornea becomes scarred or wearing contact lenses becomes difficult. In these cases, surgery might be necessary.
For most people with keratoconus, contact lenses are the most effective treatment.
Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. Glasses or soft contact lenses can correct blurry or distorted vision in early keratoconus. But people frequently need to change their prescription for eyeglasses or contacts as the shape of their corneas change.
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Hard (rigid gas permeable) contact lenses are often the next step in treating progressing keratoconus. Rigid lenses may feel uncomfortable at first, but many people adjust to wearing them. Rigid gas permeable lenses can be made to fit your corneas.
Piggyback lenses. If rigid lenses are uncomfortable, your doctor may recommend “piggybacking” a hard contact lens on top of a soft one. Fitting a combination of lenses takes a lot of precision, so be sure you work with a doctor experienced with this technique.
Scleral contact lenses. These lenses are useful for irregular changes in your cornea and advanced keratoconus. Instead of resting on the cornea like traditional lenses do, scleral contacts sit on the white part of the eye (sclera) and go over the cornea without touching it.
