Keratoconus Treatment

Keratoconus Treatment and Management

The treatment options for keratoconus depend on the severity of the condition. Early-stage keratoconus can often be managed with corrective lenses, while advanced cases may require medical or surgical intervention.

•  Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses

In the early stages, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses can help correct vision by compensating for mild corneal irregularities. As the condition progresses, specialized lenses such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses are often needed.

• Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and slow the progression of keratoconus. The treatment involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to the eye and activating them with ultraviolet (UV) light.

• Intacs (Corneal Implants)

Intacs are small, arc-shaped inserts that are surgically placed in the cornea to flatten its shape and improve vision. This procedure is often recommended for moderate cases of keratoconus.

• Keratoconus Surgery (Corneal Transplantation)

In advanced cases where vision cannot be corrected with lenses or less invasive treatments, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary. During this procedure, the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.