Cataract Treatment in Vileparle and Santacruz
Cataract Diagnosis & Treatment
Keratoconus Specialist In Mumbai
What Is Keratoconus Treatment?
Keratoconus is an ocular condition characterized by the gradual weakening and protrusion of the central cornea, assuming a conical form. This condition leads to notable visual complications such as blurred and distorted sight, heightened sensitivity to light, and more. In its initial phases, corrective lenses can offer treatment, while advanced stages necessitate corneal transplantation to reinstate visual acuity.
Keratoconus is a relatively uncommon disorder, with estimated occurrence rates ranging from 4 out of 100,000 individuals to 600 out of 100,000. This prevalence is roughly equivalent among both males and females. Typically originating during puberty, Keratoconus advances well into the mid-30s and commonly manifests in both eyes, although the speed of progression and the onset may differ between each eye.
In cases of Keratoconus, the cornea undergoes thinning and takes on an irregular conical shape, leading to impaired vision. Within the cornea, the central layer holds the greatest thickness and primarily comprises water and collagen, a protein. Collagen is responsible for providing strength and flexibility to the cornea, which functions optimally to focus light and ensure clear vision.
Keratoconus is a relatively uncommon disorder, with estimated occurrence rates ranging from 4 out of 100,000 individuals to 600 out of 100,000. This prevalence is roughly equivalent among both males and females. Typically originating during puberty, Keratoconus advances well into the mid-30s and commonly manifests in both eyes, although the speed of progression and the onset may differ between each eye.
In cases of Keratoconus, the cornea undergoes thinning and takes on an irregular conical shape, leading to impaired vision. Within the cornea, the central layer holds the greatest thickness and primarily comprises water and collagen, a protein. Collagen is responsible for providing strength and flexibility to the cornea, which functions optimally to focus light and ensure clear vision.
Keratoconus Symptom Checker
Keratoconus Symptom Checker
Causes of Keratoconus
In spite of our extensive familiarity with this persistent ailment, the reasons behind it remain largely mysterious. The cornea protrudes in a conical shape due to the deterioration of collagen fibrils.
Recent studies indicate that an irregularity in enzyme levels can lead to this condition, rendering the cornea more prone to oxidative harm from free radicals. Consequently, the cornea becomes feeble and protrudes outward. Keratoconus emerges from a reduction in these enzymes and protective antioxidants within the cornea.
Risk Factors
Certain Factors That Raise The Likelihood Of An Individual Being Impacted Are:
- Genetic predisposition—likelihood of developing Keratoconus rises if any of your relatives have been afflicted.
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
- Ill-fitting contact lenses
- Eye allergies and persistent eye rubbing are linked to the development of keratoconus. Chronic rubbing of the eyes might also contribute to the advancement of the condition.
- Specific conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, atopic ailments, and disorders related to connective tissue.
- Trisomy 21
Diagnosis of Keratoconus
In order to diagnose Keratoconus, we will assess your medical and familial background and perform an ocular examination. Additionally, various tests will be conducted to gather further information about the curvature and resilience of your cornea.
Eye Refraction
Our team of optometrists with specialized training will utilize specific equipment to assess and determine the precise combination of lenses required to provide you with the clearest and sharpest vision possible.
Slit-Lamp Examination
Using a low-powered microscope, a vertical ray of light is directed onto the surface of your eye to observe it. The examiner assesses the contour of your cornea and examines for any other possible eye issues, such as allergies, that are closely linked to keratoconus.
Computerized Corneal Mapping (Corneal Topography)
Cutting-edge diagnostic procedures, including optical coherence tomography and corneal topography, capture visuals of your cornea to generate a comprehensive map detailing its surface contours and assess its thickness. Moreover, we possess state-of-the-art tools that aid in gauging the resilience of your cornea.
Advanced Diagnostics
Corneal topography
Corneal topography is a method employed to observe and measure alterations impacting the durability and soundness of your eye’s cornea. At Sai deep Eye Clinic, your cornea will receive a thorough assessment utilizing the most up-to-date topography technology at our disposal.
Pentacam
Operates based on the concept of a rotating Scheimpflug camera system designed for analyzing the front part of the eye. An innovative instrument used to gauge the topography and height of both the front and back surfaces of the cornea, along with its thickness – essentially, the cutting-edge tool for identifying and tracking the advancement of your condition.
Schwind Sirius Topographer and Planning System
It incorporates a fusion of dual rotating Scheimpflug cameras and a Placido disk, enabling comprehensive examination of the contour and altitude of both the front and rear surfaces of the cornea, as well as complete corneal thickness measurement. Moreover, an integrated software assists in strategizing your laser surgery, guided by the details from your corneal map.
Corvis ST
Thorough biomechanical assessment and identification of Keratoconus. Aids in evaluating intraocular pressure and the overall structural robustness of the eye.
Treatment of Keratoconus
Keratoconus may manifest in varying phases, and tailored treatment protocols are required for each stage of the condition. In the initial stages of the disease, visual correction can be achieved using eyeglasses and contact lenses.
With the advancement of keratoconus, addressing the heightened irregularity of the corneal surface necessitates more advanced lens designs. As the condition develops further, the cornea gradually thins and protrudes, leading to the requirement of rigid gas permeable contact lenses for corrective purposes.
During this phase, a Cross Linking procedure is typically recommended to enhance the resilience of your cornea.
With the advancement of keratoconus, addressing the heightened irregularity of the corneal surface necessitates more advanced lens designs. As the condition develops further, the cornea gradually thins and protrudes, leading to the requirement of rigid gas permeable contact lenses for corrective purposes.
During this phase, a Cross Linking procedure is typically recommended to enhance the resilience of your cornea.
Contact Lenses
Our optometrists with specialized training will conduct a trial to determine the most suitable type of contact lens that fits comfortably on your eye.
Collagen Cross-Linking
Collagen Cross Linking is a procedure to stop the progression of Keratoconus which involves removing the skin (epithelium) from the surface of the cornea either manually…
Laser Procedures in Keratoconus
Topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) employs a personalized excimer laser procedure directed by a topographic map.
INTACS
INTACS refer to implantable intracorneal ring segments (ICRS), with INTACS being the proprietary term for slim, semi-circular plastic rings placed within the middle layer of the cornea.
Corneal Transplant Surgery & Visual Rehabilitation
Keratoconus necessitates a corneal transplant in cases where the patient’s cornea is exceptionally thin or their vision remains significantly impaired despite the inability to correct it with rigid contact lenses.
Facilities & Machines
Wavelight Topolyzer Vario
- It is a Placido disc based Corneal Topographer to evaluate the corneal curvature prior to LASIK/Refractive procedures.
- Planning of various refractive procedures and crosslinking procedures for keratoconus is based on this instrument.
- Helps in monitoring the corneal curvature post refractive/crosslinking procedures.
OPTOPOL Revo FC
Optical Coherence Tomography(oct)
- Fully automated and easy to use
- Ultra high speed
- Pachymetry and Epithelial Thickness help in Refractive Surgery Assessment as well in detection of Corneal Ectatic Conditions like Keratoconus
Optovue RTVue
Optical Coherence Tomography
- Gold Standard in Epithelial mapping due to second to none accuracy and precision
- Pachymetry and Epithelial Thickness help in Refractive Surgery Assessment as well in detection of Corneal Ectatic Conditions like Keratoconus
PESCHKE UVX Crosslinking machine
Corneal cross-linking procedure has become the standard procedure for treating patients with progressive keratoconus and other ectatic corneal diseases.
It helps in halting the progression of these conditions by strengthening the weak cornea.
Alcon Wavelight FS 200(Femtosecond) laser
- Ultrafast
- Bladefree treatment
- Painless
- Rapid Recovery
Alcon Wavelight Excimer 500 laser
- Gold standard of excimer laser treatment
- Best in Class Safety
- Fastest Number Correction
- Painless
- Extremely Accurate and Precise
- Predictable Results
OPTOPOL Revo FC
Optical Coherence Tomography(oct)
- Fully automated and easy to use
- Ultra high speed
- OCT is like an ultrasonography of the retina to pick up lesions in different layers of the retina.
- OCT ONH (Glaucoma) helps in precise diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma progression over time
- Pachymetry and Epithelial Thickness help in Refractive Surgery Assessment as well in detection of Corneal Ectatic Conditions like Keratoconus
Optovue RTVue
Optical Coherence Tomography
- Gold Standard in Epithelial mapping due to second to none accuracy and precision
- OCT is like an ultrasonography of the retina to pick up lesions in different layers of the retina.
- OCT ONH (Glaucoma) helps in precise diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma progression over time
- Pachymetry and Epithelial Thickness help in Refractive Surgery Assessment as well in detection of Corneal Ectatic Conditions like Keratoconus
Wavelight Topolyzer Vario
- It is a Placido disc based Corneal Topographer to evaluate the corneal curvature prior to LASIK/Refractive procedures.
- Planning of various refractive procedures and crosslinking procedures for keratoconus is based on this instrument.
- Helps in monitoring the corneal curvature post refractive/crosslinking procedures.
PESCHKE UVX Crosslinking machine
Corneal cross-linking procedure has become the standard procedure for treating patients with progressive keratoconus and other ectatic corneal diseases.
It helps in halting the progression of these conditions by strengthening the weak cornea.
Keratoconus Doctors
Dr. Nitin
Balakrishnan
Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Nikhil Nitin Balakrishnan
Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Pavitra Patel Balakrishnan
Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keratoconus a serious eye condition?
Yes, keratoconus is considered a serious eye condition. It’s a progressive disorder that
causes the cornea to weaken and change shape, leading to distorted vision. If left untreated,
it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and their ability to perform everyday
tasks.
Is Keratoconus present since birth?
No, keratoconus is not present since birth. It usually develops during the teenage years
or early adulthood and progressively worsens over time.
How common is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is relatively rare, occurring in about 1 in 2000 individuals. It is more
commonly diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood.
If I have keratoconus, what is the likelihood that my sibling might also develop the condition?
If you have keratoconus, the likelihood of your sibling developing the condition is
generally around 6-8%, but this can vary based on factors like genetics and family history.
Is there a chance that I could pass on keratoconus to my children?
Keratoconus can have a genetic component, so there is a possibility of passing on a
genetic predisposition to your children. However, it’s not a guaranteed transfer, and the risk
varies based on various factors.
When does Keratoconus stop progressing?
Generally, keratoconus tends to slow down or stabilize in your 30s, but this can vary for
each individual.
Does Keratoconus affect both eyes?
Yes, in approximately 90% of keratoconus cases the disease will manifest itself in both
eyes. The rate of progression and the timing of the onset of the disease however is typically
different for each eye.
Is Keratoconus transmitted via sexual intercourse?
No, Keratoconus is not transmitted through sexual intercourse or any form of direct
contact. While there’s a genetic predisposition associated with the condition, it’s not caused
by or spread through sexual activity.
Can specific dietary habits help prevent the development of Keratoconus?
While no specific dietary habits can guarantee the prevention of keratoconus,
maintaining a healthy and balanced diet rich in essential nutrients may contribute to overall
eye health.
Do adverse environmental conditions have the potential to lead to keratoconus?
Adverse environmental conditions are not generally considered a direct cause of
keratoconus. However, factors like chronic eye rubbing, poorly fitted contact lenses, and
excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light could potentially contribute to the progression
of keratoconus in individuals who are genetically predisposed.
