Keratoconus is a progressive disease in which the transparent layer of the eye, which we call the cornea, gradually becomes thinner and sharper. It usually starts in adolescence and is diagnosed in the early 20s. It is progressive between the ages of 20-30. The disease becomes stable after the age of 35. The cause is often unknown. The most common known cause is intense eye rubbing in individuals with allergic eye disease.
With the change in the shape of the cornea, refractive errors called myopia and astigmatism begin to occur. Although the glasses prescription changes rapidly in keratoconus patients, quality visual acuity cannot be achieved despite the glasses change. Blurred vision, increased light sensitivity, and headaches caused by eye fatigue are other frequently accompanying symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed with an examination called Corneal Topography (corneal map) in well-equipped centers. This map gives details of the refraction, height and thinness-thickness of the cornea. In patients with a doubtful diagnosis, early diagnosis is aimed with control examinations at three-month intervals.
Treatment
The aim of keratoconus treatment is to stop the progression of the disease in progressive cases and to obtain a quality vision. The most commonly used treatment method in progressive cases is Corneal Cross-linking (colloquially "radiation therapy"). In this method, riboflavin drops applied to the cornea interact with Ultraviolet-A rays, aiming to strengthen and increase resistance between the bonds in the cornea.
Visual acuity can be increased with keratoconus-specific contact lenses in patients whose keratoconus progression is stopped by applying corneal cross-linking treatment or in non-progressive patients. . Depending on the stage of the disease, soft, hard and hybrid lenses can be tried. Intracorneal ring implants may be preferred in patients who cannot tolerate contact lenses. The rings are placed into the cornea, can remain for life and correct myopia to a limited extent. In advanced stage cases, where permanent vision loss occurs due to the development of a spot (scar) in the center of the cornea, corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) is required.
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