Keratoconus is a sickness that can alter your vision severely but with the right remedy then your eye sight can be corrected and you can go back to normal living. If you are suffering from keratoconus, or are recently diagnosed, it is essential to grasp exactly how today’s treatments are utilized to successfully treat and potentially eradicate this illness and, in any case, protect your sight. Here in this blog, we highlight one of the categories and give details on how these treatments work to improve eye health, and the importance of early treatment.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an abnormal, degenerative pathology of the cornea, which is the clear, outer surface of the eye; in it, the cornea thins and becomes irregular, causing a vision. When the cornea becomes thicker or thinner, light is unable to focus correctly and vision becomes blurry or double, prescriptions are required to change often, and eyes are sensitive to light.
It tends to develop during teenage or early adulthood and can either develop relatively slowly or more rapidly. If left untreated, it might cause severe vision loss.” The key is the early detection and treatment of the causative factor in order to prevent it from advancing any further and to improve ocular health.
How Keratoconus Treatment Can Prevent Further Damage
The principal aim of treatment of keratoconus is to arrest the progression of the disease. These treatments are not actually ‘cures’ for keratoconus but rather treatments which have the ability to build up the strength of the cornea, enhance vision and eventually delay further development of the condition. In this it is important to see all these problems early so as to avoid reaching a stage where the problem must be solved by complicated procedures.
Leading Treatment Options for Keratoconus
Keratoconus can be treated through several methods depending on the level of the disease, and its treatment is effective. Now let us look at the most common and advanced forms in detail.
1. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
Corneal cross-linking is a revolutionary procedure intended to increase the stiffness of the cornea and stop the development of the disease. In this process, use of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet (UV) light is made on the cornea of the eye. This process assists in cross linking the collagen fibers in the cornea thus increasing its strength and rigidity.
Corneal cross-linking has proved to be effective in managing keratoconus, with patients reporting a stopping of the progression of the disease and, in some cases, an improvement in their vision. This procedure is most effective when done early, before the cornea has been compromised and has begun to thin.
2. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
Most of the patients with keratoconus benefit from the use of RGP contact lenses. These lenses are prescribed for the purpose of changing the shape of the cornea and giving the patient a better vision. RGP lenses work to regularize the irregular surface of the cornea that leads to distortion of vision.
RGP lenses do not halt the development of this disease but they do provide a lot of vision correction especially in the initial stages of the said disease. Some people may have to wear glasses or use some eye drops to keep their eyes comfortable but are otherwise a good option for everyday use.
3. Intacs
Intacs are small, clear, crescent shaped rings that are implanted into the cornea to alter its shape. This surgical operation is preferred for patients with moderate keratoconus but who cannot undergo a corneal transplant yet. The Intacs can enhance vision since the hump distorts vision and the implantation of Intacs makes the cornea flatter.
The procedure is quite non-intrusive and the inserts can be taken out if necessary. Most patients have better vision and use their glasses or contact lenses less after having Intacs.
4. Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
In severe cases where the cornea has become too thin or scarred, the only solution is usually a corneal transplant. In this procedure, the patient’s damaged cornea is removed, and it is replaced with a healthy one from the donor. A corneal transplant can help cure vision in situations where other remedies have failed in severe cases.
Although the recovery period is long, and there is a possibility of complications, corneal transplantation has a high prognosis and can improve the quality of life of patients with severe keratoconus.
Emerging Treatments for Keratoconus
However, there are other treatments of keratoconus which have long been known and are considered to be effective enough along with the aforementioned ones: Still, there are new prospects in treating keratoconus which may be even more effective in the future.
New Techniques in Cross-Linking
Another such development is the application of accelerated corneal cross-linking with increased intensity of UV light to make the process faster. This shorter process is likely to be preferred by the patients and may be appropriate for those with more advanced conditions.
Stem Cell Therapy
Scientists are also working on the application of stem cell therapy for the purpose of regenerating the corneal tissue and for dealing with keratoconus. Stem cell treatments are as yet in its infancy, but they could present fresh possibilities for individuals with progressive keratoconus.
Improving Quality of Life with Keratoconus Treatment
In treating keratoconus, the ultimate aim is to restore vision as well as to enhance the quality of life of the affected patients. In most patients with keratoconus, the disease results in emotional suffering because of the difficulties of having a vision impairment.
People can get their self-esteem back, increase functionality in everyday life, and decrease dependence on glasses or contact lenses if they turn to a doctor in time. The treatment can assist the patients to regain a more normal meaningful life.
The Importance of Regular Monitoring
However, keratoconus should be followed even after the treatment has been completed. A follow up on eye examinations will assist in monitoring the advancement of the disease and effectiveness of the management. The complications can be avoided by early treatment which will keep the vision healthy in the long run.
Take the First Step Towards Restoring Your Eye Health
Keratoconus is a complex eye condition and if you are a victim or you think you have the disease, you should seek medical help. Keratoconus can be controlled with the appropriate treatment, and your eyesight can be improved. No matter you decide to go for corneal cross-linking, contact lenses or any other treatment, your eyes can be made much better with the proper treatment.
Don’t let the condition escalate – Contact The Eye Foundation today to schedule a visit and learn which treatment will be most effective for you and help you achieve the best possible vision.
