Keratoconus: What It Is And How To Treat It

We all have problems dealing with loss of vision and when we hear big words like “Keratoconus” we definitely struggle with questions. Looking for a way to get rid of it. We often struggle with questions like “What happens now?” “How will this effect my life” “Will I go blind?” nnWhile those are all understandable questions first it is important that you understand what “Keratoconus” is and how it is treated. Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition which is often progressive. Keratoconus is a thinning of the cornea which causes many disturbances in the eyes creating vision changes. nnKeratoconus affects each patient differently. About 2 out of every 100,000 patients suffer from Keratoconus. Treatment of Keratoconus depends on the stage the condition is in as well as the patient. Also it can affect one or both eyes. Your Eye doctor will help determine your stage and help you go over your treatment process. Many times keratoconus can be treated with glasses and contacts.nnTreatment Options for Keratoconus-nnKeratoconus is treated many ways and just because you have been diagnosed doesn't mean drastic measure need to be taken. Since it is progressive you should explore all options. This will keep you educated and you can ask any questions you have about them to your doctor.nnRGP- nnRigid Gas Permeable lenses- or (RGP) are sometime used in the early to mild stages of keratoconus. Quite often with Keratoconus soft contact lenses are not enough. The doctor can prescribe some hard prescription lenses to help you with your vision. However as the disease progresses you will need to change them or look into more options.nnC3-R-nnThis is a 30 minute procedure performed in the doctors office. The procedure involves applying a special solution to the eye that is activated by a light. This procedure stops the disease from progressing so you can remain comfortable in your contact lenses or glasses.nnINTACS-nnIntrastromal Corneal Ring Segments- Referred to as (INTACS) are used quite frequently. They are an insertable contact that require less maintenance then RGP's. INTACS also allow you to change your prescription as changes occur. They don't create a lot of discomfort. The INTACS are placed behind the nerve so you don't feel them. More people today are turning to INTACS as an option for treatment when they are no longer comfortable RGP's or they have decreased quality of vision in their RGPS-nnCorneal Transplants-nnCorneal transplants are used for people with severe vision loss due to scarring. As well as progressive peripheral thinning. These conditions do occur in patients with keratoconus but the doctor will discuss this option after all other options have been explored. As with all surgery there are risks of complications and rejection but modern medicine has improved. So it is much safer and done more routinely today.nnThe treatments for keratoconus will be explained by your doctor and all you questions will be addressed. Learn, listen and if you are uncomfortable ask questions!