Keratoconus And Corneal Collagen Cross Linking
Posted by markhindsoptometrists on September 22nd, 2014
It is estimated that Keratoconus is a condition that occurs in 1 out of 2000 persons. Keratoconus is a word derived from Greek and Latin, meaning cornea and cone shaped. In medical terms it is known as bilateral, progressive, asymmetric, non-inflammatory thinning state of the cornea. It results in a high degree of irregular myopic astigmatism. The usual symptoms of keratoconus which onsets between the ages of 10 and 30 consist of blurred vision, distortion of vision and photophobia. The evident change in the shape of the cornea occurs gradually over several years.
Most common treatments for keratoconus in early stage are spectacles which can correct the myopia astigmatism. However in many cases it does not offer positive results. Secondly the experts offer treatments with soft contact lenses or rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
In absence of any successful effect of the above mentioned treatments the ophthalmologists suggest surgical treatments of corneal cross linking. Corneal Collagen Cross Linking is an alternative treatment that has proved as successful option in treating the condition in some cases. When used in early stages of the disease it helps to prevent progression of the condition. In advanced cases it becomes less useful and does not halt the progress in effective manner to restore the vision.
Corneal Collagen Cross Linking for Keratoconus is a treatment which involves using eye drops of riboflavin which is activated by ultra violet light. It is a prompt and uncomplicated process. In this treatment the surface of the eye is surgically abraded to allow the riboflavin drops to be absorbed into the cornea itself.
Another method of treating Keratoconus is corneal graft. In order to save the precious vision surgeon removes part of the patient's unhealthy, clouded cornea and replaces it with a cadaver's donated tissue. For patients with cornea that is damaged or scarred this treatment proves very effective. Corneal transplant is a advanced procedure and thus it is important to first talk to an ophthalmologist who has enhanced knowledge, training and studies to deal with corneal diseases. For aged patients who have problems with vision or near-sightedness, far-sightedness, "tired" eyes, watery eyes, or dry eyes, experts suggest lenses or medication. However they may suffer from macular degeneration which is a condition that requires immediate attention of an expert.
If a patient is suffering from refractive defect then the surgeons suggest refractive surgery which is an operation that is performed on the eye. People interested in getting over their reliance on contact lenses and glasses too opt for this type of surgery.
