Why is it difficult to treat keratoconus with prescription glasses?
Keratoconus is an eye disease that is quite difficult
to treat this disease with eyeglasses. People suffering from this problem often
experience fluctuations in the power of their prescription glassesevery time
they go for eye checkup. Patients have to use specially designed contact lenses
for treatment.
Symptoms and signs of
keratoconus
The problem starts with thinning of the cornea that
is the clear front of the eye. As the disease progresses, it distorts the
cornea into a cone-like shape and it is very difficult to correct the distorted
vision with prescription glasses.
Frequent change in the power of prescription glass
is the first sign of keratoconus. The vision would be distorted and blurred.
Also, the patient could develop progressive nearsightedness and irregular
astigmatism. Glare and light sensitivity are also common with this problem.
Treatment options for
keratoconus
1. Corneal crosslinking
Popularly known as corneal collagen cross-linking
(CXL), the procedure strengthens corneal tissue to prevent bulging of cornea.
It is done in two ways – epithelium-off and epithelium-on. It reduces the need
for corneal transplant.
2. Custom soft contact
lenses
Custom build contact lenses can correct mild-to-moderate
keratoconus. And some lens manufacturers can design lenses according to the
measurement of an affected eye. Also, they are available in a wide range of
fitting parameters like large size that provides greater stability on an
affected eye.
3. Gas permeable contact
lenses
When prescription glasses and soft contact lenses
don’t give expected results, doctors suggest fitting gas permeable lenses that
are fit on keratoconic eye. Its advantage is that it changes the corneal
surface from irregular to smooth and uniform refracting.
4. Piggybacking contact
lenses
Fitting a gas permeable lens could be very
uncomfortable for some patients. For such patients, doctors suggest
piggybacking that is first setting a soft lens and then fitting a gas permeable
lens.
5. Hybrid contact lenses
Designed especially for keratoconus patients, these
lenses have the quality of gas permeable lenses and comfort of soft lenses. The
central GP zone of the lens provides comfort from keratoconus by vaulting over
the cone-shaped cornea.
Final thoughts
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