About Keratoconus 

Keratoconus is a degenerative, non-inflammatory condition in which the central cornea (the clear part at the front of the eye) becomes thinner and weaker. When this happens, it causes distortion which makes it harder to see through spectacles. Contact lenses can improve vision a great deal as they create a new, smooth surface for the eye. The condition can start in the teens and usually progresses for around ten years. One eye is usually affected more than the other and some people only have the condition in one eye.For more detailed information  - go to the About Keratoconus page.

Glasses

When keratoconus begins, glasses can often correct vision quite well. With mild keratoconus, nothing further may be needed. If keratoconus advances, then the cornea becomes distorted and it becomes difficult to get clear vision with glasses. There may be ghosting round objects, double vision in one eye, flare round lights and steaking effects. Some of these effects can be reduced with special coatings and polarised lenses. Glasses also act as a backup when you can't wear your contacts for any reason. For more explanation of spectacle lens options, go to the Glasses Page

Contacts  

Contact lenses to correct keratoconus come in many forms. The most common type of lens is a Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) which are small plastic lenses, smaller than your cornea. These work by masking the optical distortions caused by the conical cornea. Other options include Scleral lenses, specialised soft lenses, hybrid lenses (rigid centre, soft surround) and piggy backing (wearing an RGP on top of a thin soft lens).The right lens for you depends on what suits your eyes as far as comfort, vision and ocular health is concerned. In the early stages, soft lenses are often a good option. For more information on all lens types go to the Contact Lenses page.

Intacs 

Intacs is one brand name for Intra Corneal Rings. These are semi-circular plastic rings that are implanted into the cornea and are used for mild myopia and for keratoconus. They help to give structural strength to the cornea and make the shape more regular. This helps to reduce distortions in the conrea and this in turn can make contact lens wear more successful or even make wearing glasses possible again.They have the advantage of being removeable. if for some reason you do not get on with them - they can be taken out. For more information go to the Intacs page.

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Cross Linking (CXL)

The cornea of the eye is made up collagen fibres which are linked together to give a firm structure. In keratoconus, these linkages are reduced, which is what makes the cornea thin and stretchy. A new procedure, pioneered in Germany, aims to strengthen these links in order to make the cornea stronger. It has been carried out in Germany for 10 years and is now being taken up more generally in Europe. Results are very promising in that keratoconus appears to be stabilised and vision improved.

CXL can be more effective still if combined with Intacs. For more information, go to the Cross Linking page.

Corneal Graft

Grafting has a good success rate nowadays but there always some risk of rejection. Read the Corneal Graft page for more a more detailed discussion.