What is Keratoconus?
Normally a round dome shape, if the corneal tissue begins to thin, it can begin to bulge out into a cone shape.
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye). Because the shape of the cornea becomes distorted, your eyesight also becomes distorted because light will not focus properly on the retina (back of the eye). This makes normal activities such as reading, watching TV, driving, or working on a computer very difficult.
Keratoconus Causes & Risk Factors
Many people are surprised to learn that keratoconus usually affects people who are in their late teenage years or early 20s. This is a condition that affects 1 in 2,000 people. The condition is hereditary in some cases. It may also be caused by an enzyme imbalance in the cornea that causes the corneal tissue to weaken.
Late teenage years or early 20s
Affects 1 in 2,000 people
What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Not all patients will experience keratoconus symptoms right away. In fact, it can progress over a 10-20 year period and result in symptoms such as:
- Vision distortion
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Irritation
- Glare
- Ghosting
Keratoconus Treatment
Luckily there are a variety of treatment options to help patients with keratoconus see more clearly. Depending on the severity of your condition our keratoconus doctors in Southeast Idaho may recommend:
- Prescription glasses
- Rigid contact lenses
- Corneal cross-linking (CXL) (more info below)
- CTAK (Cornea Tissue Addition Keratoplasty) (click HERE for more info)
- Corneal transplant in severe cases (click HERE for more info)
If you or a loved one is experiencing any keratoconus symptoms, schedule an appointment with our experienced corneal specialist today.
Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is the only FDA-approved treatment proven to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure strengthens the cornea by combining riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops with ultraviolet (UV) light, helping the cornea maintain its shape and reducing the risk of further vision loss. In some cases, cross-linking may help patients avoid the need for a corneal transplant.
During treatment, a riboflavin solution is applied to the surface of the eye to saturate the cornea. It is no longer necessary to remove the epithelium or corneal surface cells. The cornea is then exposed to controlled UV light, creating additional bonds within the corneal collagen to increase strength and stability. The procedure typically takes about an hour, and most patients return home the same day.
While corneal cross-linking is not a cure for keratoconus, it has been shown to effectively slow disease progression and help preserve vision. Some patients may still require glasses or contact lenses after treatment to achieve their best possible vision.
Corneal Cross-Linking FAQs
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that strengthens the cornea using riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and ultraviolet (UV) light. During treatment the eye is saturated with riboflavin drops, and UV light is applied to strengthen the corneal collagen. A protective bandage contact lens is placed on the eye after the procedure.
The treatment itself takes about one hour, but patients should plan to spend approximately two hours at our office to allow time for preparation and recovery.
Yes. Numbing eye drops are used to keep you comfortable throughout treatment. If needed, relaxation medication may also be provided.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. After the numbing drops wear off, it is common to experience temporary irritation, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation for several days during the healing process.
Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes during the initial healing period and may experience light sensitivity, tearing, or mild discomfort. Most patients wear a bandage contact lens for several days and may need to avoid contact lenses for several weeks following treatment.
In many cases, yes. Because corneal cross-linking is an FDA-approved treatment for progressive keratoconus, most commercial insurance plans now provide coverage. Our team can help verify your benefits before treatment.
As with any medical procedure, side effects are possible. Temporary blurred vision, eye discomfort, light sensitivity, inflammation, and corneal haze may occur during recovery. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and potential risks of treatment during your consultation.
No. Corneal cross-linking does not cure keratoconus or restore vision that has already been lost. However, it has been proven to slow or stop disease progression and help preserve vision. Many patients still require glasses or contact lenses after treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, schedule an appointment with Idaho Eye and Laser Center to learn whether corneal cross-linking may be right for you.