Keratoconus Management

Corneal Collagen Cross linking

Introduction to Keratoconus.

imgresKeratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to weaken, get thinner and change shape. It affects between 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 10,000 people. The exact cause of the condition is unknown. There may be a genetic link, and it’s more common in people with multiple allergic conditions, such as eczema and asthma. Keratoconus usually appear in the early teens, but can occasionally occur earlier, it is usually mild and can be managed by using contact lenses or glasses. But in some patients it can progress to the point where a cornea transplant or other surgical intervention is necessary.

Prior to the emergence of Corneal Cross-linking (CXL), patients had to face corneal transplants in order to halt progression of the condition, and further vision deterioration. Today, the leading treatments are INTACS and Cross-Linking. The former can improve vision but the latter can halt progression of the disease and may be combined with laser eye surgery or implant phakic lOLsurgery to minimise residual refractive error and improve spectacle independence. CXL treatment could also be a treatment option for a rare complication of LASIK known as corneal ectasia. This complication occurs in less than 1 in 10,000 treatments and has become even rarer with advances in LASIK treatments.

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Cross Linking Explained

The cross-linking treatment is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It uses a UVA light system to harden the elastic corneal collagen filaments that have been infused with riboflavin (vitamin C) drops resulting in a strengthened cornea. After placing the drops on the cornea the eye is exposed to UVA light for 30 minutes. This enhances the bonds between the collagen fibrils to stiffen and strengthen the cornea. Following treatment and depending on whether the corneal epithelium has been removed a contact lens may be inserted for 4-5 days to allow the eye to heal. Only one eye is treated at a time due to the nature of the treatment and the variation in healing time.

 

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Today’s techniques

Both corneal intrastromal rings like INTACS and CXL are very safe and successful modern methods in addressing the suffering of keratoconic or ectatic patients.

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Non Surgical, Safe & Simple

The procedure is extremely safe and straightforward and only needs to be carried out once to induce a permanent change. There are no incisions or stitches so recovery is swift. Contact lenses can still be used after treatment to correct any residual prescription.

Surgical, with or without cataract.

This involves the removal of the cataract and replacement with a monofocal either toric or non-toric IOL. Toric lenses (those correcting for astigmatism) can be used in cases or relatively regular corneal astigmatism. In the absence of cataract and ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) can be used.

We encourage all patients to obtain comprehensive unbiased information designed to educate and support keratoconus patients and their families. The more you know about this condition and the many ways it can be treated the less frightened and anxious you will be. Please visit the links below:

www.keratoconus-group.org.uk  and  www.nkcf.org/kc-link/

 

More information

Who is CXL suitable for

CXL is best suited to those who are becoming intolerant to their contact lenses and they experience changing vision

What is the recovery time?

Recovery is a little longer than LASEK. The cornea has to heal over a period of a few weeks during which time the patient is given various eye drops to assist this process

Book Your Consultation

Please book your consultation online by clicking the enquire now button below and filling in your details. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Dimitri Kazakos is passionate about eye surgery. He is a top cataract, lens and laser eye surgeon, with a proven track record of excellent results. Through a very comprehensive range of refractive procedures and with the use of latest modern technology, Dimitri is able to offer to his patients the most suitable treatment for their eyes.