Keratoconus Treatment in Mumbai

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the normally round cornea to thin and gradually bulge into a cone shape. This change in shape alters how light enters the eye, leading to distorted and blurry vision as it reaches the retina.

This condition is non-inflammatory, meaning it does not involve swelling or redness, but it is a long-term issue that can worsen over time. As the cornea becomes thinner and steeper, the patient may experience a significant loss of vision, which can range from mild to severe depending on how much the cornea is affected.

The latest revolutionary keratoconus treatment is C3R (Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin) that has been proven to strengthen the weak corneal structure by increasing collagen crosslinking, the natural anchors within the cornea. These anchors help prevent the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular, a consequence of advanced keratoconus.

Early stages - spectacles and contact lenses

In the early stages, vision can often be corrected with glasses, which help to focus light more accurately on the retina. However, as keratoconus progresses and the cornea becomes more irregular, glasses may no longer be effective, and rigid contact lenses become necessary.

These lenses provide a smoother, more regular refracting surface, improving vision. However, regular use can sometimes cause corneal scarring, so patients should be made aware of this possibility.

Advanced treatment - C3R

For advanced cases, the latest treatment option is C3R - Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin. This innovative procedure strengthens the cornea by increasing the natural crosslinks in the corneal tissue, acting like internal anchors to prevent further thinning and bulging.

This approach can stabilize the cornea, reduce the need for more invasive surgeries, and improve long-term vision stability. Consulting a keratoconus specialist in Mumbai can help you understand your condition better and select the most suitable treatment plan.

Causes of keratoconus

Keratoconus is a complex corneal condition, and while the exact cause remains unclear, several factors are believed to increase the risk:

• Genetic influence: Keratoconus often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link.
• Eye rubbing: Frequent or aggressive eye rubbing can weaken the cornea over time, especially in people with allergies or chronic eye irritation.
• Underlying medical conditions: Asthma, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other connective tissue disorders are associated with a higher risk.
• Environmental factors: UV exposure, eye allergies, and long-term eye irritation may contribute to corneal weakening.
• Hormonal changes: Some studies suggest that hormonal fluctuations during puberty and pregnancy might influence onset or progression.

Advanced keratoconus treatment in Mumbai at Kenia Eye Hospital includes procedures like C3R, which can slow down disease progression.

Symptoms of keratoconus

Keratoconus can significantly impact your vision, often starting with subtle changes that become more noticeable over time. Recognizing the early signs can help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

• Frequent prescription changes: Needing to update glasses or contact lens prescriptions more often than usual can be a sign of keratoconus.
• Blurry and distorted vision: As the cornea thins and changes shape, it can cause blurry, distorted, or double vision.
• Light sensitivity and glare: Many patients experience increased sensitivity to light, halos, or glare, especially at night.
• Eye irritation: Some people may notice discomfort, dryness, or a gritty sensation.
• Corneal scarring: In advanced cases, the cornea can develop scars, leading to further vision loss and the potential need for a corneal transplant.

If you notice these symptoms and are considering keratoconus treatment in Mumbai, we can help you explore effective options to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.

Keratoconus treatment

Early detection is essential for managing keratoconus effectively. Diagnosing the condition in its early stages allows for better control over its progression and can help prevent severe vision loss.

Keratoconus is typically diagnosed through specialized eye tests:

• Retinoscopy to check how light reflects from the retina.
• Slit lamp examination to assess the front structures of the eye, including the cornea.
• Topography and Pentacam scans to measure the curvature and shape of the cornea.
• Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness, which is critical for detecting early thinning.

In advanced stages, standard glasses often fail to correct vision effectively, and patients may need hard or semi-soft contact lenses. These lenses help create a smoother refracting surface, but a proper fit is crucial because poorly fitting lenses can cause discomfort, corneal abrasions, scarring, or infections.

Treatment options

• Glasses and contact lenses: In the early stages, specially designed lenses can help improve vision by providing a more regular surface over the irregular cornea.
• Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R): This advanced procedure strengthens the cornea by increasing natural collagen cross-links, helping stabilize the cornea and prevent further progression.
• C3R with Riboflavin: This non-invasive treatment strengthens the collagen fibers that form the corneal structure. It is an in-office procedure that typically takes about 60 minutes.
• INTACS: Tiny implants can be placed in the cornea to flatten its shape and improve vision, reducing the need for corneal transplant surgery.

During C3R treatment, riboflavin (Vitamin B2) eye drops are applied to the cornea, which is then exposed to controlled ultraviolet light. This combination triggers the cross-linking process, increasing the strength of the corneal tissue, reducing the risk of further bulging, and slowing the progression of keratoconus.

In more severe cases, C3R can be combined with Intacs. These small, crescent-shaped plastic rings are placed within the cornea to help flatten the cone shape, improving vision by making the cornea more regular while C3R strengthens the overall structure.

Keratoplasty (corneal transplantation)

When other treatments for keratoconus are no longer effective in restoring clear vision, a corneal transplant, known as keratoplasty, may be necessary. This procedure involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea, helping to restore the eye's natural shape and improve vision.

In advanced cases where the cornea has become too thin or scarred, a transplant is often the only option for restoring useful vision.

What to expect with keratoplasty:

• It is an intraocular surgery, meaning it involves the inside of the eye.
• Recovery can take several months, and patients need long-term follow-up to monitor healing and prevent complications.
• The success of the surgery depends on proper care, regular check-ups, and a commitment to following your eye specialist's advice.

Access to keratoconus treatment near me means you can get timely care and personalized treatment. Choose Kenia Eye Hospital, where we offer advanced diagnostic tools and the latest treatment options to help manage keratoconus effectively and preserve your vision.