Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea in which a normally round, dome-shaped cornea progressively thins, causing a cone-shaped bulge to develop. Keratoconic corneas have too few or weaker than normal collagen bonds, and the weakened configuration leads to bulging, steepening, and irregularity.

Dr. Greg Moloney, MBBS, BSC MED, MMED, FRCSC, Ophthalmologist, explains the symptoms and treatment options of Keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea in which a normally round, dome-shaped cornea progressively thins, causing a cone-shaped bulge to develop. Keratoconic corneas have too few or weaker than normal collagen bonds, and the weakened configuration leads to bulging, steepening, and irregularity.

The normal eye pressure pushing out on the thinned areas of the cornea causes the cone-shaped protrusion. The irregular shape of the cornea can cause decrease visual acuity, which may not be correctable with corrective lenses in severe keratoconus.

Until now, a corneal transplant was the only treatment option available for advanced keratoconus. Corneal Collagen Cross-linking is a new, minimally-invasive surface treatment for keratoconus, performed using a topical anesthetic.

During treatment, the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed. A photosensitizing solution consisting of riboflavin (vitamin B2) is applied to the cornea and is exposed to a low dose of ultraviolet light. The photosensitizer reacts with the ultraviolet light to create new collagen bonds (cross-links) throughout the cornea.

Once the procedure is complete, a bandage contact lens is placed over the cornea to help the epithelium grow back (usually within 5-7 days) and to facilitate recovery. By creating new collagen bonds, cross-linking strengthens and adds resilience to corneas affected by keratoconus.  Often seeing a local Ophthalmologists or Optometrist in conjunction with your family physician or a registered dietician is a great option to dealing with eye conditions and symptoms.

If performed early enough, cross-linking may delay or prevent the corneal weakening from keratoconus and allow good vision to be preserved. In advanced cases, cross-linking may delay the need for invasive corneal transplants and prevent vision from worsening

At Pacific Laser Eye Centre, we are able to combine the corneal cross-linking procedure with CUSTOM-TNT, a topography-guided treatment. Refractive error associated with the keratoconus can be improved and the underlying cause of keratoconus is treated.

We have developed CUSTOM-TNT which is our innovative method for creating a customized smoother corneal surface, based on each individual patient.

If you would like more information about laser refractive procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local optician or ophthalmologist.

Presenter: Dr. Gregory Moloney, Ophthalmologist, ,

Local Practitioners: Ophthalmologist