FIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR KERATOCONUS Dr. Osama Giledi Consultant Ophthalmologist, Specialist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Vision Correction Surgery
The word Keratoconus comes from two Greek words: kerato (cornea) and konos (cone). Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the eye in which the shape of the cornea, which is usually round, is distorted and develops a cone-shaped bulge, resulting in reduced vision. Keratoconus is a relatively common condition. It affects one person in two thousand, occurs around the world and is quite common in the Middle East. Corneal keratoconus usually affects both eyes asymmetrically, and usually occurs in people between the ages of 10 to 25 years. The condition may progress for 10 years or more and then slow down or stabilize. As the condition progresses, vision becomes distorted and blurred, with increased sensitivity to light and glare. Keratoconus presents itself in more certain ethnic groups, such as the Arab countries, southern Europe, and southern Asia. Environmental and genetic factors are potential causes, but the exact cause is uncertain. It can be associated with other allergic diseases such as hay fever, eczema and asthma but we are not born with it and its onset usually happens around puberty. It is strongly associated with eye rubbing which can also make the symptoms progress rapidly. It is also seen more common among contact lens wearers.
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he early detection of Keratoconus can have a significant impact on the success of treatment protocol. In fact, early detection is possible by generating computerized corneal shape and thickness measurements through corneal topography, using advanced technology such as a pentacam machine. If left untreated, Keratoconus could lead to significant visual impairment and blindness. Some of the most successful treatment options include:
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OCTOBER 2020
