What is Keratoconus and what Treatments are available? Dr. Gulani explains

Summary

Dr. Gani discusses the importance of addressing keratoconus (KC), emphasizing the potential for treatment options such as advanced surgeries and interventions. He highlights the complexity of the condition, stressing the significance of early diagnosis and individualized care. Dr. Gani assures patients that there is hope, regardless of the severity of their condition, and encourages both medical professionals and patients to stay informed. Through transparent patient stories and educational content on his YouTube channel, Dr. Gani aims to inspire and empower those affected by KC, offering support and motivation to never give up.

Takeaways

• 😀 Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea becomes thin and distorted, affecting vision.
• 😀 Early intervention is crucial in managing keratoconus and can help avoid more invasive treatments like corneal transplants.
• 😀 The condition is often genetic, but external factors like eye rubbing can exacerbate it.
• 😀 In the visual category, patients can still achieve good vision with glasses or contact lenses and can benefit from laser surgeries or implantable contact lenses (ICLs).
• 😀 Structural category patients may require more advanced treatments such as Intacs, corneal grafts, or special contact lenses when standard lenses no longer work.
• 😀 Cross-linking can stabilize the cornea and prevent further deterioration, but it is most effective when combined with other treatments.
• 😀 Laser plastic surgery, which reshapes the cornea, is a treatment option for patients whose corneas are not too thin.
• 😀 Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) provide a solution for patients whose corneas are too thin for laser surgery.
• 😀 Intacs and Ferrara Rings are small, flexible inserts that help flatten the cornea and improve vision for patients with keratoconus.
• 😀 Corneal grafting may be necessary for advanced cases where the cornea is too damaged or scarred to repair with less invasive methods.
• 😀 Dr. Gani emphasizes personalized care for each patient, stressing that every treatment plan should be tailored to individual needs and conditions.

Q & A

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, becomes thin and changes shape from a dome to a cone. This results in distorted vision, which may cause double vision, halos, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.

What causes keratoconus?

Keratoconus is often genetically driven, meaning it can run in families. Other contributing factors may include eye rubbing, allergies, and certain medical conditions like Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or collagen vascular diseases.

How is keratoconus diagnosed?

Keratoconus is typically diagnosed through a combination of symptoms like blurred or distorted vision, and by using special diagnostic tests such as corneal topography, which maps the shape of the cornea.

What are the main symptoms of keratoconus?

Common symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, glare, halos around lights, difficulty seeing at night, and frequent changes in prescription glasses or contacts.

What is the difference between visual and structural cases of keratoconus?

In visual cases, patients can see well with glasses, despite keratoconus. In structural cases, patients cannot achieve clear vision with glasses alone and may require hard or scleral contact lenses to see.

What treatments are available for visual cases of keratoconus?

For visual cases, treatments include laser-assisted surgery (like laser plastique), internal contact lenses (ICL), or cataract surgery with premium lens technology. These surgeries aim to reshape the cornea and improve vision without glasses or contacts.

What are the structural surgeries used to treat keratoconus?

Structural surgeries for keratoconus include corneal ring implants (e.g., Intacs or KeraRings) to reshape the cornea, and lamellar grafts where only the top layer of the cornea is replaced. Cross-linking may also be used to stabilize the cornea after surgery.

How does cross-linking help in the treatment of keratoconus?

Cross-linking strengthens the cornea by using a special solution (riboflavin) combined with ultraviolet light. This process helps to stabilize a thinning and weak cornea, preventing further progression of keratoconus.

When should cross-linking be performed in the treatment of keratoconus?

Cross-linking is generally done after other visual surgeries to lock in the improvements. In some cases, it can be used as a preventative measure if the cornea is unstable and shows signs of progression.

What is the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus?

Early diagnosis allows for better treatment outcomes. The goal is to address keratoconus before the cornea becomes too damaged or scarred, which can lead to the need for a corneal transplant. Timely intervention can often help patients regain vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.