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

Keratoconus makes it difficult to find one type of treatment for all patients. Some patients feel comfortable with gas permeable lenses while others have difficulties with gas lenses. Your eye surgeon would study your needs before suggesting a specific keratoconus treatment in Delhi. You could require several visits to your doctor until the good results are achieved.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to calculate Lasik eye surgery cost?

7 reasons for opting for Lasik surgery

Which OTC meds are used for dry eye treatment?