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Keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea)

What is keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes thinner, protruding (less round) and exhibits irregular astigmatism (cylindrical deviation). It almost always affects both eyes and in extreme cases can lead to poor vision.

Keratoconus is more common than you think.
Although the exact cause of this condition is still unknown, research suggests that genetic factors may contribute, as well as environmental factors such as excessive UV exposure and excessive eye rubbing. Keratoconus usually begins to develop between the ages of 20 and 40. Often, after several years of progression, you will see a stabilization of the cornea.

Vooronderzoek

Preliminary examination

Do you suspect that you have keratoconus and are you curious whether you are still eligible for laser eye surgery or lens implantation treatment? Then come by for a free and non-binding preliminary examination and gain insight into your situation and what the best solution is for your eyes.

With the measurements that are done during the preliminary examination, we map the cornea of both eyes completely in different ways (in 3D). Subtle changes in the cornea are visible years before you notice them yourself. So if you develop keratoconus in the future, it will already be visible in these measurements.
If we recognize a keratoconus, this will be taken into account in the treatment advice. It is also possible that an additional preliminary examination will be scheduled after a few months to be convinced that there is no more progression. As soon as it appears that there is no deterioration and/or change in the shape of the cornea, we can proceed responsibly and safely with the treatment.

Keratoconus laser eye surgery

At FYEO we stand for safe and responsible treatment. If the measurements taken during the preliminary examination show that you may have keratoconus, laser eye treatment is not possible. Laser eye treatments only give the already weakened and thinner cornea the chance to weaken further, which can increase the bulge. This increases the chance of other complications.

Fortunately, we do have suitable alternatives that improve vision, such as ExtraLenses or ReplaceLenses. Extra consideration is then given to the choice of the lens that will be placed in the eye. However, if you have a severe form of keratoconus, we will refer you to regular eye care where you will be further informed about the most suitable treatment for you.

Keratoconus symptoms

Before you start experiencing the symptoms of keratoconus, you may have had it for years. So are you young and does keratoconus run in your family? Then make sure you get it in time. Thanks to the advanced measurements that are performed during the preliminary examination, we are able to detect keratoconus (and the causes that could lead to keratoconus in the future) at an early stage.
Symptoms of keratoconus range from mild to severe, but common symptoms and complaints of people with this condition include;

  • Blurred vision due to a change in cylinder strength;
  • Distorted vision (only in very severe form);
  • Extreme light sensitivity.

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    By the way; keratoconus is more common in people who suffer from allergies. Also in people who have Down or Turner Syndrome, keratoconus is more common.

    Keratoconus treatment

    At FYEO we do not treat the keratoconus itself. If the measurements taken during the preliminary examination show that you have keratoconus, we will take this into account in the treatment advice, but if you are dealing with a serious form, you will be referred to regular eye care.
    The following options are generally offered there;

  • Glasses or lenses: in early keratoconus to correct the changed cylinder strength;
  • Cross linking: as a precaution or for mild keratoconus. Riboflavin, an antioxidant, is applied to the eye while it is exposed to ultraviolet light. The result of this process is that the weakened cornea is strengthened and can thus help slow the development of keratoconus;
  • Special contact lenses: for severe keratoconus. In this case, hard, oxygen-permeable contact lenses are often initially placed over soft contact lenses to correct the eye without causing too much discomfort. Another option is a scleral lens. This is a hat-shaped contact lens that does not rest on the cornea, but on the white of the eye. This lens is therefore larger than a 'normal' contact lens and pushes the eye back into a convex shape. Scleral lenses are fitted by optometrists or contact lens specialists who specialise in these medical applications;
  • Corneal transplant: for extreme forms of keratoconus. In this procedure, the deformed cornea is partially (rarely entirely) replaced by a piece of donor cornea. A corneal transplant is the last resort and recovery takes a very long time. In addition, it will often still be necessary to wear lenses after the corneal transplant.

    • Request a preliminary examination

    Your preliminary examination is always free and without obligation and includes eye tests and a consultation with the eye specialist.

    • Personalized treatment advice tailored to you
    • The ophthalmologist from the consultation is the treating ophthalmologist
    • All-inclusive price
    Free preliminary examination
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