Keratoconus Treatments

LaserVision’s consultant surgeons have considerable expertise in the field of Keratoconus treatments such as Dr Arun Brahma who has introduced several new techniques over the years to the region, including collagen cross linking, Kera-rings, INTACs and topographic guided laser. He has also pioneered numerous corneal transplant techniques in Manchester and is regularly referred patients from across the country and overseas.

Keratoconus treatments are recommended based on individual circumstances taking into account the stage of progression, age and patient lifestyle amongst many other factors. New technology continues to push forward new and updated treatments for keratoconus with LaserVision boasting experts in this field.

It is estimated to affect 1 person in 2000. Therefore keratoconus is not uncommon.

Rigid Contact lenses. Rigid (hard) gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses can greatly improve vision when glasses are no longer effective. These are the most common method of improving the vision for patients with keratoconus. Supported by the natural tears in the eye, the irregular surface of the cornea is reshaped allowing for better vision. The development of special keratoconus RGP contact lens designs has increased the usage of RGP lenses over the years. However, RGP contact lenses cannot be worn by everyone. Many people will experience unacceptable discomfort. Therefore they are only partially successful, especially for patients with low production of tears, as an adequate supply of tears is needed to provide adequate lubrication to buffer the RGP lens.

Piggyback or Hybrid lenses. If RGP contact lenses are not tolerated, piggyback lenses are sometimes used, where the hard contact lens is placed on top of a soft contact lens making wear more comfortable. This superimposed method, although more awkward, may sometimes be better tolerated than an RGP contact lens alone. Another option is the use of a hybrid lens (hard centre and soft edge), which is rarely satisfactory as a long-term solution.

Scleral lenses. In very advanced cases of keratoconus, a well fitted scleral contact lenses may offer visual correction.