Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It causes the cornea to become thin and gradually bulge into a cone – like shape. As a result, vision becomes distorted and blurry. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

Symptoms

Symptoms of keratoconus may include increased nearsightedness or astigmatism, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night.

Treatment

Treatments for keratoconus include specialized contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, and in severe cases, corneal transplant. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of keratoconus.

Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure used to treat keratoconus and other corneal conditions. During the procedure, a special riboflavin (vitamin B2) solution is applied to the cornea, followed by exposure to ultraviolet light. This combination strengthens the corneal tissue by creating new bonds between collagen fibers. The goal is to halt the progression of corneal thinning and shape irregularities. Corneal collagen cross-linking is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and can help stabilize the cornea, potentially preventing further vision deterioration.