Some things can worsen the disease, making early detection significant. Because it is considered hereditary, family members will be advised to undergo examination if someone is diagnosed. In many cases, further cases are discovered after one family member is diagnosed.
The Importance of Early Keratoconus Detection
Early detection can slow or even halt the disease, but it cannot be entirely prevented or cured. Avoid rubbing the eyes to slow it. An ophthalmologist will usually prescribe drops to prevent itching. In the early stages, glasses or soft lenses may help. Later, as the disease worsens, the doctor may recommend switching to thick contact lenses in some cases. Their use is often accompanied by irritation and allergy.
Treatment in the advanced stages
In more advanced keratoconus, when glasses are no longer effective and the cornea becomes very thin, contact lenses are difficult to fit. They tend to fall out and cause considerable discomfort. In some cases, cloudiness appears in the center of the cornea, creating further visual difficulty. In this situation, the doctor will recommend corneal transplant surgery.
The problem with corneal transplantation is obtaining a cornea. It is an organ donated by someone who has died. In recent years, several methods have been developed that can improve vision in keratoconus and prevent reaching a point where obtaining a donor cornea is the only option.
New Technologies to Slow Keratoconus
One solution is implanting an intracorneal ring using a special device. During surgery, the surgeons create a channel in the cornea into which they insert a ring intended to flatten and stabilize it. Results show significant improvement in vision and a reversal of the condition sufficient to allow glasses or contact lenses to be fitted again.
This new technology enables a quick, precise procedure. Ring placement is calculated and performed by a computer without dangerous movement. Recovery is very fast, and the patient can return home immediately after the procedure.
Another method intended to stabilize and flatten the cornea and slow keratoconus is "cross-linking." The doctor exposes the cornea to ultraviolet light while applying vitamin B2 drops. The combination produces a chemical reaction that improves the cornea's condition and slows disease progression.
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