KERATOCONUS
Keratoconus is corneal ectasia of disputed etiology which leads to cornea thinning and consequent deformation into a conic shape, which triggers the occurrence of high regular astigmatism and consequent reduction of visual acuity.
Keratoconus is always bilateral and asymmetrical, and manifests during adolescence.
SYMPTOMS
Keratoconus may be hard to detect and, habitually, emerges slowly. However, in some cases, keratoconus can progress rapidly. As the cornea shape becomes increasingly irregular, there is gradual vision loss. Glare and photophobia might occur as well.
Keratoconus patients tend to have their lens prescriptions renewed each time they visit their ophthalmologist.
Quite frequently keratoconus diagnosis comes late if ophthalmologists are not familiar with such cases and do not identify the early stages of the disease.
CAUSES
Keratoconus is a progressive degenerative condition and can occur at any age in the life of a person.
Most of patients are diagnosed early during adolescence, when the disease progresses more aggressively.
Major risk factors are heredity and allergic conjunctivitis normally associated with constant eye rubbing.
FERRARA RING™
In the early stages of keratoconus, contact lens fitting or glasses can help patients. As the disease progresses, cornea thinning increases the irregularity of its shape and hinder the improvement once provided by glasses or lenses.
The Ferrara Ring® is a surgical alternative which delays or eliminates the need for corneal transplantation.
Keratoconus may be hard to detect and, habitually, emerges slowly. However, in some cases, keratoconus can progress rapidly. As the cornea shape becomes increasingly irregular, there is gradual vision loss. Glare and photophobia might occur as well.
Keratoconus patients tend to have their lens prescriptions renewed each time they visit their ophthalmologist. Quite frequently keratoconus diagnosis comes late if ophthalmologists are not familiar with such cases and do not identify the early stages of the disease.
Keratoconus is a progressive degenerative condition and can occur at any age in the life of a person. Most of patients are diagnosed early during adolescence, when the disease progresses more aggressively.
Major risk factors are heredity and allergic conjunctivitis normally associated with constant eye rubbing.
SCLERAL FITTING LENSES
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter contact lenses, suitable for irregular corneas, and can help keratoconus patients.
However, scleral lenses do not treat keratoconus and if its progression is observed, a Ferrara RingTM implant can be recommended.
CROSSLINKING
Crosslinking emerged as an approach in the treatment of keratoconus around 10 years ago.
Riboflavin application associated to ultra-violet light in controlled intensity strengthens corneal collagen structures making the cornea more rigid and resistant to deformation.
In advanced cases of keratoconus, a Ferrara RingTM implant is recommended to correct corneal irregularity and, in case of disease progression, Crosslinking application may be recommended.
CORNEA TRANSPLANT
A cornea transplant is the last resort for treating keratoconus.
Even after a transplant, a Ferrara RingTM implant might be made necessary if post-transplant/post-keratoplasty irregular astigmatism is significant.
Currently, 320°arc length segmentsmay be indicated for advanced cases of keratoconus and postpone the need for cornea transplant.