keratoconus Treatment in Andheri Mumbai

Causes:

1. Enzyme Imbalance: Research suggests that an imbalance of enzymes within the corneal tissue weakens the cornea, leading to thinning and bulging.
2. Genetic Predisposition: Keratoconus may have a genetic component, with a tendency to run in families.
2. Environmental Factors: Overexposure to UV rays, chronic eye irritation, and improperly fitting contact lenses can contribute to the development of Keratoconus.

Symptoms:

1. Myopia and Astigmatism: Patients experience nearsightedness and astigmatism due to the irregular shape of the cornea.
2. Vision Fluctuations: Frequent changes in glasses prescription and fluctuating vision.
2. Glare and Light Sensitivity: Especially noticeable at night.
2. Difficulty with Corrective Lenses: In advanced stages, glasses may not provide clear vision, necessitating hard or semi-soft contact lenses.

1. Eye Refraction: This test measures your eyes using special equipment to determine the sharpest vision by looking through a phoropter or a retinoscope.
2. Slit-Lamp Examination: A low-powered microscope is used to evaluate the shape of the cornea and detect potential eye problems by directing a beam of light onto the eye's surface.
2. Keratometry: This test focuses a circle of light on the cornea to measure reflection, determining the basic shape of the cornea.
2. Computerized Corneal Mapping: Special photographic tests like corneal topography and corneal tomography create detailed shape maps of the cornea, recording images to detect early signs of keratoconus and measure corneal thickness.

1. Corrective Lenses:

• Glasses: Effective in the early stages when the cornea is still regular.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Provide initial correction for vision changes.

2. Advanced Contact Lens Options:

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: Offer a smooth refractive surface for clearer vision.
• Piggybacking Contact Lenses: Combine soft and RGP lenses for comfort and clear vision.
• Hybrid Contact Lenses: Designed with a rigid central portion and soft peripheral part for improved comfort and visual performance.

3. Surgical Treatment Options for Keratoconus

Aspect/Surgery	Intacs (Intra Corneal Ring Segments)	Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL)	Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)	Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)	Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty(DMEK)
Description	Rings to flatten corneal curvature.	Stabilizes keratoconus with riboflavin.	Full-thickness corneal transplantation.	Partial thickness corneal transplantation.	Innermost corneal layer replacement.
Benefits	Improves vision, outpatient procedure, removable, minimally invasive.	Prevents vision deterioration, early detection, safe for early cases.	Excellent visual outcomes, longer recovery, for specific conditions.	Faster recovery, minimal rejection risk, improved vision.	Quick visual recovery, better outcomes, reduced rejection risk.
Prognosis	Reshapes cornea, stabilizes ectasia, improves vision and stability.	Halts keratoconus progression, stabilizes vision, reduces need for transplants.	Excellent prognosis with high graft survival rate.	Higher endothelial survival, lower hypertension risk compared to PK.	Excellent visual outcomes but concerns about long-term graft survival and potential regrafting.
Success Rate	Effective for mild to moderate keratoconus management.	High success rate in stopping keratoconus progression & improving stability.	High success rates with 95.6% survival rate at 5 years for keratoconus treatment.	High graft survival rates of 100%, 92.9%, and 90.4% at 1-, 3-, and 5-years respectively in keratoconus patients.	Varying 5-year graft survival rates (83%-96%) with lower rejection rates compared to other procedures like DSAEK.

These surgical treatments offer advanced solutions for managing Keratoconus, providing patients with improved vision, stability, and reduced dependency on corrective lenses. Each procedure is tailored to address specific stages and needs of individuals affected by this condition.

Regular Eye Exams

• Importance: Regular eye exams can help detect keratoconus in its early stages when treatment is most effective. Early intervention can help prevent progression and complications.

UV Protection

• UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a risk factor for keratoconus. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection and avoiding excessive UV exposure can help reduce the risk.

Eye Rubbing

• Avoidance: Rubbing the eyes vigorously can contribute to the progression of keratoconus. Minimizing eye rubbing and practicing gentle eye care can help prevent the worsening of the condition.

Genetic Counseling

• Family History: Keratoconus can have a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of the condition may benefit from genetic counseling to understand their risk and take preventive measures.

Contact Lens Care

• Proper Care: If using contact lenses, proper hygiene and care are essential to prevent eye infections and complications that can exacerbate keratoconus. Regularly replacing lenses and following care instructions can help maintain eye health.

By following these preventive measures and seeking timely treatment, individuals can reduce the risk of developing keratoconus or slow its progression, ultimately preserving vision and eye health.

Smart Vision Eye Centre, led by Dr. Seema Behl, offers a comprehensive approach to managing Keratoconus, ensuring personalized care and access to state-of-the-art treatments that cater to each patient's specific condition and requirements.