Treatment for keratoconus

Introduction

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the shape of the cornea, leading to blurred vision and other complications. It can significantly impact your ability to see clearly, even with glasses or standard contact lenses. Early detection is essential in treatment for keratoconus and preserving your vision. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the treatment for keratoconus, from glasses and contact lenses to surgical interventions like corneal cross-linking. You will find how Bellamy Eyecare can help you manage keratoconus effectively and improve your quality of life. 

 

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition that causes the normally round cornea to thin and gradually bulge into a cone shape. This shape change can distort light entering the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. Over time, keratoconus can make it increasingly difficult to see clearly. It may affect your ability to perform everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working. 

The exact cause of keratoconus is still not fully understood. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved. Individuals with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it, and certain conditions such as eye allergies or excessive rubbing of the eyes may also increase the risk. Keratoconus typically begins to manifest during the teenage years or early adulthood and may progress over the next decade. 

 

Symptoms of Keratoconus

The symptoms of keratoconus can vary from person to person, but common signs include: 

• Blurred or distorted vision that worsens over time. 

• Frequent changes in glasses prescriptions as the shape of the cornea changes. 

• Sensitivity to light and glare, especially at night. 

• Double vision or ghosting of objects. 

• Eye irritation or discomfort. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to book an eye exam at Bellamy Eyecare. Early detection can give you more treatment options to preserve your vision. 

 

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment of keratoconus and preventing the condition from progressing to more severe stages. As the cornea becomes thinner and more irregularly shaped, it can lead to more significant vision impairment and may require surgical intervention. 

At Bellamy Eyecare, we use advanced diagnostic technology to detect keratoconus early on and to monitor any progression. Techniques such as corneal topography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), mean we can map the shape of your cornea with great precision. This provides us with the data we need to detect keratoconus and begin management as soon as possible. 

 

Treatment Options for Keratoconus

There are several treatment options available for managing keratoconus, ranging from non-surgical interventions to more advanced surgical procedures. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition, your age, and your overall eye health. 

1. Non-Surgical Treatments 

For patients with mild to moderate keratoconus, non-surgical treatments can be effective in providing clearer vision and improving comfort. 

Prescription Glasses & Contact Lenses

In the early stages of keratoconus, many people find that prescription glasses or soft contact lenses can help correct their vision. However, as the condition progresses, the cornea’s irregular shape may cause these solutions to become less effective. Specialized contact lenses are often required for better vision correction. 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are one of the most common types of contact lenses used to treat keratoconus. These lenses are specially designed to create a smooth, even surface over the irregular shape of the cornea, improving the quality of vision. Although they can take some time to adjust to, they can be highly effective for patients with moderate keratoconus. 

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a fluid-filled reservoir over the cornea. This design allows for more comfort and better vision for patients with more advanced keratoconus, as they can help correct vision while bypassing the irregularities in the cornea. 

These non-surgical treatments offer significant improvement in vision and can help patients manage keratoconus in its earlier to moderate stages. 

 

2. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

For patients with deteriorating keratoconus, corneal cross-linking (CXL) is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for keratoconus. It can help strengthen the cornea and slow the progression of the condition. During this procedure, UV light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) are applied to the cornea to stimulate the formation of bonds between the collagen fibres, making the cornea more rigid and less likely to continue thinning. This Youtube video gives a very good description of CXL

 

3. Surgical Options 

In cases where keratoconus has progressed to a more advanced stage, surgical interventions may be necessary to restore vision and protect the cornea. 

• Intracorneal Ring Segments (ICRS): Intracorneal rings are small, crescent-shaped devices that are surgically inserted into the cornea to flatten its shape and improve vision. This procedure is less invasive than a corneal transplant. It is generally most effective in patients with moderate keratoconus who are not ready for a transplant but need more correction than contact lenses can provide. 
• Corneal Transplant: For patients whose keratoconus has severely affected the cornea and other treatments are no longer effective, a corneal transplant (also known as a keratoplasty) may be recommended. During this procedure, the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. While this surgery is generally reserved for the most severe cases, it can dramatically improve vision when other options have failed.

 

Conclusion 

Keratoconus can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the right management, your vision can be preserved. From early-stage interventions like specialist contact lenses to advanced treatments such as corneal cross-linking and surgical options, there are a variety of solutions available to help you maintain clear, comfortable vision. 

At Bellamy Eyecare, we are committed to offering personalised care tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced optometrists are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment for keratoconus based on your individual condition. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait to seek treatment. Early intervention is key to managing the condition. Contact Bellamy Eyecare today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve better vision and a brighter future. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Keratoconus Treatment

 

1. What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) becomes thinner and begins to bulge outward into a cone shape, leading to blurred vision, astigmatism, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty with glasses or regular contact lenses.
👉 Learn more about the treatment options for keratoconus.

 

2. What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Rapid changes in glasses prescriptions
• Glare, halos, or difficulty with light at night
• Eye discomfort or irritation

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, we recommend booking an eye examination as soon as possible.

 

3. What causes keratoconus?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s linked to genetics, environmental factors, allergies, and frequent eye rubbing. It often begins in adolescence and progresses over time.

 

4. How is keratoconus diagnosed?

We use advanced diagnostic technology like corneal topography and OCT scans to assess the thickness and shape of your cornea. Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment and can prevent complications.

 

5. What are the treatment options for keratoconus?

Treatment depends on the severity and stage of the disease. Options include:

• Prescription glasses or soft contact lenses for early stages
• Specialised lenses like RGP or scleral lenses
• Corneal cross-linking (CXL)
• Surgical options like Intacs or corneal transplant

👉 See our full guide to keratoconus treatment options.

 

6. What are scleral lenses and how do they help?

Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a tear-filled vault over the cornea. They’re especially useful in advanced cases, offering improved vision and comfort.
👉 Explore scleral lenses for keratoconus.

 

7. How does corneal cross-linking work?

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a non-invasive procedure that uses UV light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) to strengthen the corneal structure. It slows or stops the progression of keratoconus in many patients, especially when caught early.

 

8. Is cross-linking safe and effective?

Yes — studies show about 73% of keratoconus patients see stabilisation or improvement in their vision following cross-linking. Side effects are minimal, and recovery is relatively quick with the right aftercare.

 

9. Are there surgical treatments for keratoconus?

Yes. In moderate-to-severe cases, we may recommend:

• Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) to flatten the cornea
• Corneal transplant for patients with advanced thinning, scarring, or vision loss

 

10. Can keratoconus get worse after treatment?

Without treatment, keratoconus can worsen. However, with the right care, including CXL and specialised lenses, the progression can be halted or slowed significantly.

 

11. How effective are contact lenses for keratoconus?

About 90% of patients with keratoconus find significant vision improvement using specialised contact lenses, including RGP and scleral lenses.
👉 Find out about keratoconus contact lens options.

 

12. When should I see a specialist for keratoconus?

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above or a family history of keratoconus, don’t wait. Our optometrists have years of experience diagnosing and treating complex eye conditions with compassion and expertise.
👉 Book an appointment with our specialist team today.

 

13. What lifestyle changes can support keratoconus management?

• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Wear UV-protective eyewear
• Manage allergies and dry eye conditions
• Follow your optometrist’s advice on regular checkups and lens hygiene

 

14. What happens if keratoconus is left untreated?

Without proper treatment, keratoconus can cause significant visual distortion, corneal scarring, and ultimately lead to the need for a transplant. Early intervention is the best way to preserve quality of vision.

 

15. Why choose Bellamy Eyecare for keratoconus care?

At Bellamy Eyecare, we take a personalised approach to complex conditions like keratoconus. You’ll see the same optometrist at each visit, benefit from 45-minute assessments, and receive expert-led care using the latest diagnostic technology.
👉 Learn what makes our approach to keratoconus treatment different.