Posted by: Dr. Ramsarat in Eye Health, Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea. It causes a gradual thinning and bulging, transforming the cornea from a round shape into a cone-like shape. This distortion impairs the ability of the eye to focus light properly onto the retina, leading to distorted and blurred vision. Understanding keratoconus and its stages is the first step towards managing this condition. When detected early, there are effective treatments available that can slow or halt the progression of the disease, preserving vision and quality of life.
What Are The Stages Of Keratoconus?
The stages of keratoconus are typically classified into four main categories, each with its own set of characteristics and symptoms. The stages are commonly identified as mild, moderate, advanced, and severe.
In the mild stage, changes to the cornea are minimal and vision may be slightly blurred or distorted. Most people in this stage can still achieve good vision with glasses or soft contact lenses. During the moderate stage, the cornea continues to thin and bulge, leading to more noticeable vision changes. Glasses may no longer provide adequate vision correction, and rigid gas permeable contact lenses may be necessary.
In the advanced stage, the cornea has a pronounced cone shape and vision is significantly affected. Specialized contact lenses or other treatment options may be necessary to achieve acceptable vision. In the severe stage, the cornea may become scarred, and vision is severely impaired. At this stage, a corneal transplant may be the only option to restore vision.
What Is Corneal Cross-Linking?
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that can help to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus. The procedure works by strengthening the corneal tissue, helping to prevent further thinning and bulging of the cornea.
During the procedure, drops of riboflavin (a type of vitamin B) are applied to the cornea and then activated with ultraviolet (UV) light. This process creates new cross-links between the collagen fibers within the cornea, making it stronger and more rigid.
Corneal cross-linking is a relatively new treatment option for keratoconus and is currently the only treatment available that can actually halt the progression of the disease.
When Is Corneal Cross-Linking Recommended?
Determining when is corneal cross-linking recommended largely depends on the stage of keratoconus and the rate of disease progression. The procedure is typically recommended in the early to moderate stages of the disease, when the cornea is still relatively clear and the disease is actively progressing.
Corneal cross-linking is not typically recommended in the advanced stages of keratoconus, as the cornea may already be scarred and the disease may have stopped progressing. However, it can still be an option in some cases, particularly if the disease is still actively progressing.
It’s important to note that not everyone with keratoconus is a candidate for corneal cross-linking. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with certain eye conditions, such as severe dry eye, or for those with a cornea that is too thin or too scarred. A comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an eye doctor is necessary to determine if corneal cross-linking is a suitable treatment option.
Navigating Keratoconus For Optimal Eye Health
Understanding the stages of keratoconus is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Corneal cross-linking plays a key role in the management of keratoconus, particularly in the early to moderate stages of the disease. This minimally invasive procedure can help to strengthen the cornea and prevent further progression of the disease, preserving vision and reducing the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
For more information on keratoconus and corneal cross-linking, visit Dr. Veronica Ramsarat, OD in our New York, New York office. Please call (833) 255-0096 to schedule an appointment today.
