Understanding Keratoconus: What Is It and How to Treat It

20 September 2024

Our eyes are windows to the world, enabling us to absorb the sights and gather crucial information from our surroundings and helping us make sense of everything happening around us.

However, they are often the part of our body that we take most for granted. Prioritising your eye health is essential before your vision is permanently affected, which can lead to a decreased quality of life.

One crucial aspect of maintaining eye health is recognizing the early signs of eye disorders, which can often be silent yet progressively damaging. Keratoconus is one such eye condition - a progressive disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to significant vision loss.

In this article, we’ll explore what keratoconus is, its symptoms, and the treatment options available to manage this condition.

 

 

Signs & Symptoms of Keratoconus

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Difficulty driving at night
• Frequent changes in glasses prescriptions (due to increasing astigmatism)
• Double vision when one eye is closed

Treatment Options for Keratoconus

At Sunway Eye Centre, comprehensive care is provided to patients with keratoconus, beginning with a thorough assessment conducted by experienced Corneal Ophthalmologists and Optometrists.

Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, they will evaluate the severity and progression of the patient’s eye condition to tailor a treatment plan with the appropriate interventions that best suits the patient’s needs. This includes the following which are currently available at Sunway Eye Centre:

• Specialty Contact Lens Fitting with Rose-K Lenses 

For most patients, the first line of treatment involves specialty contact lenses. Rose-K lenses, a leading option for keratoconus management, are custom-fitted to provide optimal vision correction, making it possible for patients to improve their quality of life.

• Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and stabilise its shape. This treatment is crucial in preventing further deterioration and also preserving vision.

• Advanced Surgical Interventions 

In cases where keratoconus has advanced significantly, a corneal transplant surgery may be necessary. This complex but highly effective solution is performed by a team of skilled corneal surgeons, Dr Umi Kalthum and Dr Chan U-Teng.  Their extensive experience and precision in these complex surgeries offer hope to patients with severe corneal damage, providing the possibility of improved vision.

 

Keratoconus can be effectively managed with specialised care and treatment, particularly if this eye condition is detected early.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, don't wait. Schedule a professional consultation with our expert eye specialists at Sunway Eye Centre today and take the first step towards clearer vision and a better quality of life: https://www.sunwaymedical.com/en/speciality/ophthalmology

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