Procedures
What You Need to Know. Keratoconus is an eye disease that affects the structure of the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. Keratoconus occurs in approximately one in 2,000 individuals, typically beginning in puberty and progressing into the mid-30s. Early stages can be treated with glasses, but with progression of the disease into late childhood and early adulthood, corneal transplantation may be needed to restore sight.
What is keratoconus and how is it treated?
Visit an eye doctor for prescription glasses or contacts.
- The lens types that your eye doctor prescribes depends on how far the condition has progressed. ...
- Your eye doctor may also try hybrid lenses with a hard rim and soft core to make you more comfortable.
- If the keratoconus is in its early stages, you should still be able to wear contact lenses. ...
How to cure keratoconus naturally?
Keratoconus
- Diagnosis. To diagnose keratoconus, your eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) will review your medical and family history and conduct an eye exam.
- Treatment. Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of your condition and how quickly the condition is progressing.
- Preparing for your appointment. ...
What are the different types of keratoconus treatment?
Thankfully, most costs associated with keratoconus usually are covered by health or medical insurance. In particular, medical insurance typically covers most of the cost of corneal cross-linking or major keratoconus surgery (less deductibles and copays determined by your policy).
Is keratoconus covered by health insurance?
Who can diagnose keratoconus?
If your eye doctor determines that you might have keratoconus, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist who has had special training in corneal disease and surgery to get and interpret corneal imaging studies and to determine if you need cross-linking or a cornea transplant.
Can an optometrist diagnose keratoconus?
Optometrists can also play a large role in the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus. Optometrists may diagnose keratoconus in their own office, or they may refer to other optometrists or ophthalmologists for additional diagnostic testing.
Which hospital is best for keratoconus?
Top 10 Hospitals for Keratoconus Surgery in IndiaNarayana Super Specialty Hospital.Apollo Spectra Hospital.Fortis Group of Hospital.Global Group of Hospital.BLK Super Specialty Hospital.
Is there any treatment for keratoconus?
There is no cure for keratoconus, but you can manage it effectively with treatment. The most effective treatment for this condition depends on its severity. There are several treatments available to help effectively manage keratoconus.
Can LASIK cure keratoconus?
If you have keratoconus (even mild keratoconus), laser eye surgeons will discourage you from having laser vision correction. Procedures like LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea by removing microscopic particles of tissue.
What do you call a person who checks eye problem?
Optometrists can examine your eyes, test your vision, prescribe glasses or contacts, and diagnose and treat many eye disorders and diseases. They are not medical doctors or surgeons but can prescribe certain eye-related medications.
How much is surgery for keratoconus?
How Much Does Keratoconus Surgery Cost? The cost of surgery depends on several factors including the type of surgical procedure. A corneal cross linking procedure ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 per eye, while a corneal transplant can cost up to $18,000, for example.
How much does cross linking cost?
The average cost of a corneal cross-linking procedure typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 per eye. Insurance coverage is widely available, depending on the type of procedure.
How long does cross linking take to heal?
How long does it take to recover from corneal cross-linking? Cross-Linking Recovery, the treated eye is usually painful for three to five days, levels of discomfort vary from patient to patient. Recovery time is about a week although most patients may find that it may be slightly longer.
Can I live with keratoconus?
The good news is that it does not have to be this way and that patients with keratoconus can go on to live normal lives just like any other person with good sight. You just need the proper treatment in order to get good vision back.
What is the latest treatment for keratoconus?
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (CXL) The minimally-invasive, advanced therapy slows down or stops the progression of the corneal deformation of keratoconus, by making collagen bonds in the cornea stronger, allowing it to become stiffer and usually stop bulging out.
Can keratoconus be stopped?
Corneal cross-linking, the corneal tissue strengthening surgery, is a safe method to stop the progression of keratoconus and protect the cornea from tearing and becoming cloudy. This corneal strengthening procedure, called CROSS-LINKING in the international practice, has been successfully applied for 15 years.
Symptoms of Keratoconus You Should Look For
This is a slow, progressive disease. Some people may not notice their cornea changing shape, while other people experience a rapid and obvious chan...
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
If you suspect you have keratoconus, you should consider making an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. Early diagnosis can prevent furthe...
Various Complications of Keratoconus
Complications of keratoconus may include: 1. Vision loss that may lead to blindness 2. A change in the shape of the eye 3. Additional eye problems...
Preventing Keratoconus Isn’T Possible
Keratoconus is not preventable, but those who are diagnosed with it can do things to ensure that their eyes function to the best of their ability a...
Talking to Your Eye Doctor
Here are some questions to ask your eye care professional about keratoconus: 1. How severe is my condition? 2. Are there nutritional supplements th...
How long does it take to get keratoconus implants?
The procedure, which takes about 15 minutes, is performed by creating small tunnels between layers in the stroma, into which the implants may be placed. Depending on the severity of keratoconus, patients may need to wear contacts to further correct their eyesight after implants.
How is a cornea transplant done?
In a corneal transplant, the cornea of the patient is carefully removed, and the cornea of a donor is sewn into place, using stitches about a third of the width of a human hair. Corneas are received from recently deceased persons, with the permission of their next of kin.
How long does it take to get a corneal transplant?
Corneal transplants are often performed on an outpatient basis, and take about an hour to complete.
Can keratoconus patients have good vision?
This task is particularly challenging in keratoconus patients and often requires a personally-tailored approach. As a rule of thumb, patients in the early stages of keratoconus can have excellent vision with glasses or soft contact lenses.
Does cross linking help with keratoconus?
The minimally-invasive, advanced therapy slows down or stops the progression of the corneal deformation of keratoconus, by making collagen bonds in the cornea stronger, allowing it to become stiffer and usually stop bulging out.
Do contact lenses help with keratoconus?
As the disease progresses and the corneal cone protrudes more, glasses or soft contact lenses no longer provide sufficient vision correction. There are a few specialized contact lenses that may provide improved vision for patients with advanced keratoconus.
How to treat progressive keratoconus?
This one-time, in-office procedure involves the application of a vitamin B solution to the eye, which is then activated by ultraviolet light for about 30 minutes or less. The solution causes new collagen bonds to form, recovering and preserving some of the cornea’s strength and shape.
When does keratoconus start?
Keratoconus generally begins at puberty and progresses into the mid-30s. There is no way to predict how quickly the disease will progress, or if it will progress at all. Keratoconus typically affects both eyes, with one being more severely affected than the other.
What is the purpose of collagen in the eye?
Collagen makes the cornea strong and flexible, and helps keep its regular, round shape. This healthy cornea focuses light so you can see clearly. With keratoconus, the cornea thins and bulges into an irregular cone shape, resulting in vision loss. Keratoconus generally begins at puberty and progresses into the mid-30s.
Why does keratoconus cause collagen loss?
This may be caused by some imbalance between production and destruction of the corneal tissue by the corneal cells.
What are the risks of keratoconus?
The following may increase the risk of developing keratoconus: 1 Genetics. Patients with a family history of keratoconus or with certain systemic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are at a higher risk of developing keratoconus. 2 Chronic eye inflammation. Constant inflammation from allergies or irritants can contribute to the destruction of corneal tissue that may result in developing keratoconus. 3 Eye rubbing. Chronic eye rubbing is associated with developing keratoconus. It may also be a risk factor for disease progression. 4 Age. Keratoconus is often discovered in the teenage years. Generally, young patients with advanced keratoconus are more likely to need some form of surgical intervention as the disease progresses.
How long does it take for a corneal transplant to complete?
In a corneal transplant, a donor cornea replaces the patient’s damaged cornea. Corneal transplants are often performed on an outpatient basis and take about an hour to complete. Vision usually remain blurry for about three to six months after the transplant, and medication must be taken to avoid transplant rejection.
How long does it take for a corneal ring to be implanted?
Intacs are implantable, plastic, C-shaped rings that are used to flatten the surface of the cornea, allowing improved vision. They may also allow a better contact lens fit. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
What is the best treatment for keratoconus?
10. Corneal transplant . Some people with keratoconus can't tolerate a rigid contact lens, or they reach the point where contact lenses or other therapies no longer provide acceptable vision. The last remedy to be considered may be a cornea transplant , also called a penetrating keratoplasty (PK or PKP).
How to treat progressive keratoconus?
Treatments for progressive keratoconus include: 1. Corneal crosslinking. This procedure, also called corneal collagen cross-linking or CXL, strengthens corneal tissue to halt bulging of the eye's surface in keratoconus. The aim of corneal cross-linking is to strengthen the cornea by increasing the number of "anchors" that bond collagen fibers ...
Why does keratoconus bulge forward?
Research suggests the weakening of the corneal tissue that leads to keratoconus may be due to an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea. This imbalance makes the cornea more susceptible to oxidative damage from compounds called free radicals, causing it to weaken and bulge forward.
What causes keratoconus in the eye?
Keratoconus also is associated with: 1 Overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun 2 Eye rubbing 3 A history of poorly fitted contact lenses 4 Chronic eye irritation
What is the condition where the cornea is distorted?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision.
What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
Keratoconus signs and symptoms. As the cornea becomes more irregular in shape, it causes progressive myopia and irregular astigmatism to develop, creating additional problems with distorted and blurred vision. Glare and light sensitivity also may occur.
What is the purpose of corneal crosslinking?
The aim of corneal cross-linking is to strengthen the cornea by increasing the number of "anchors" that bond collagen fibers together. (Diagram: Boxer Wachler Vision Institute) There are two versions of corneal crosslinking: epithelium-off and epithelium-on.
What is the procedure to fix keratoconus?
If keratoconus continues to progress after the Intacs are inserted, a corneal transplant may be necessary. Corneal cross-linking: This procedure involves strengthening the corneal tissue to halt the bulging of the eye’s surface. This method was introduced in the United States in 2008, and is also known as CXL.
What to do if you suspect keratoconus?
If you suspect you have keratoconus, you should consider making an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. Early diagnosis can prevent further damage and vision loss. During the eye exam, your eye doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and family medical history.
What is the purpose of corneal topography?
Corneal topography: An automated instrument is used to project illuminated patterns onto the cornea to determine its topology (the relationship between objects that share the same surface or border). This exam works best when keratoconus is in its early stages, as it shows any distortions or scarring on the cornea.
How does keratoconus affect the eye?
The cornea’s job is to refract light that enters the eye. Because of its important job, abnormalities or injuries to the cornea can significantly affect your vision and impair your ability to perform simple tasks like driving, watching TV, or reading a book. Keratoconus can affect one or both eyes, and it can affect each eye differently.
Why is my cornea weak?
Weakened corneal tissue due to an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea. Some researchers believe the imbalance of enzymes within the cornea makes the cornea more prone to oxidative damage from compounds called free radicals, eventually causing the cornea to weaken and bulge out.
How long does it take for keratoconus to heal?
The sutures are removed after healing is complete, which is usually three to four weeks. In most cases, eyeglasses and contact lenses are needed after surgery. In any case of keratoconus, frequent check-ups and changes in prescription are needed to achieve good vision and comfort.
What is a KC eye?
Talking to Your Eye Doctor ↓. Keratoconus, often referred to as “KC,” is a slowly progressive, non-inflammatory eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bul ge out, taking on a cone-shaped appearance. The cornea’s job is to refract light that enters the eye. Because of its important job, abnormalities or injuries to ...
How many fittings for keratoconus?
In the past, a successful Keratoconus treatment would take 4 to 5 fittings, each with different lenses, sometimes days or weeks apart. Today, with our CKC method, we have a First Fit Success rate of 52%, and a Second Fit success rate of 85%…and it’s getting better all the time.
How much does it cost to have an eye patch?
The patient needs to sleep with an eye patch to help protect the eyes. The very high cost, upwards of $10,000 to $15,000 for both eyes. The risk of complications that are common to any surgery.
Can a corneal transplant be done without surgery?
But in 15-20% of Keratoconus cases, after all non-surgical alternatives have been explored, a corneal transplant may be necessary.
Is keratoconus surgery elective?
There is a difference between elective and necessary Keratoconus surgeries. In very severe cases of Keratoconus, the cornea becomes very thin, very steep, scarred or intolerant to contact lenses and there is little choice but to have a corneal transplant. During a corneal transplant, the central part of the cornea is removed ...
Is keratoconus surgery non surgical?
Here at the California Keratoconus Center (CKC), we specialize in non-surgical treatment of Keratoconus. There are many Keratoconus doctors, especially here in the Los Angeles area, who want to get you onto their operating table as quickly as possible for a corneal surgery of one type or another, but what we find is that most patients can be treated non-surgically and enjoy a happy, normal life.
Is keratoconus good news?
And while learning that you have Keratoconus is not good news, there is a lot of good news about the treatment of this progressive eye disease, and many reasons to be optimistic about your future.
Can you get a corneal transplant for keratoconus?
The great majority of Keratoconus cases are less severe and a corneal transplant is not necessary. In these cases, some doctors like to treat Keratoconus with plastic corneal implants called Intacs. These semi-circular devices are placed underneath the cornea to form a raised circle on the cornea.
How much does keratoconus cost?
The examination, measurements, fitting and materials for the treatment of keratoconus with contact lenses often run $2,000 to $4,000 per eye. However, this range can be high or low, depending on the severity of the disease and the type of contact lenses prescribed.
How much does a corneal transplant cost?
A corneal transplant for advanced keratoconus performed in the United States costs roughly $13,000 for an outpatient procedure and nearly $28,000 for an in-hospital procedure for individuals without health insurance, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services).
Is keratoconus surgery covered by insurance?
In most cases, the cost of eye exams and keratoconus surgery performed in the U.S. is fully or partially covered by health insurance. The cost of contact lenses for keratoconus may or may not be covered by insurance, based on the type of policy you have. Consult your insurance provider for details.
What are the factors that determine a patient's keratoconus?
Custom individual keratoconus treatment plans may depend on a number of factors, including: Your age. Severity of your keratoconus. Whether your keratoconus is stable or progressive. Thickness of your cornea and other corneal biometrics.
What is corneal cross link?
This procedure (sometimes referred to as corneal collagen cross-linking or CXL) uses riboflavin drops combined with UVA light to strengthen the cornea. The procedure is designed to stop further progression of corneal ectasia (or thinning), which is typically seen in patients with keratoconus and in patients who have had LASIK or RK eye surgery.
What is a scleral contact lens?
Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter lenses that provide clear and comfortable vision for keratoconus patients because the lenses do not actually touch the cornea . Instead, scleral lenses vault over the entire corneal surface, resting on the “white” portion of the eye known as the “sclera.” The space between the back and front portions of the scleral lens is filled with unpreserved sterile saline solution, which means that the eye always remains in a liquid environment. Scleral lenses cover a larger portion of the sclera, whereas semi-scleral lenses cover a smaller area.
What is piggybacking contact lens?
“Piggybacking” involves placing a soft contact lens over the eye and then fitting a gas permeable lens over the soft lens. This can increase comfort because the soft lens acts as a cushion pad under the more rigid gas permeable lens.
Can you use a CK with a CXL?
Depending on the severity of keratoconus damage, many patients are good candidates for the CXL procedure combined with a procedure called conductive keratoplasty (CK). This combination can eliminate or reduce the need for glasses or contacts. Intrastromal Ring Implants with Glasses or Contact Lenses.
Is keratoconus a time consuming process?
Proper and effective treatment of keratoconus is a time consuming process that many doctors are not willing to undertake. It is critical to find a doctor who stays current on the latest keratoconus management and treatment options and has the experience and compassion needed to restore your vision.
Can ring implants improve vision?
The placement of ring implants remodels and reinforces the cornea, thereby eliminating some or all of the irregularities caused by keratoconus. This can improve uncorrected vision, however, depending on the severity of the keratoconus, glasses or contact lenses may still be needed for functional vision.
Navigating Insurance Coverage for Keratoconus Treatments
Research has shown that people living with keratoconus could be expected to pay more than $25,000 for cost of care over their lifetime post-diagnosis. [1] One survey even found that 46% of patients pay more than $1,000 annually for treatment costs.
Evaluating Keratoconus Treatment Options
While working with your doctor can help identify the best treatment option for you, FDA-approved keratoconus treatment options include:
Understanding Your Options
Support and advocacy groups, such as the National Keratoconus Foundation and the Keratoconus Group, provide additional resources and personal insights into navigating keratoconus treatment costs and insurance coverage issues.