Keratoconus therapy is based on strengthening the collagen fibers of this part of the eye. The cornea is transparent, dome-shaped front part through which light enters the eye. Then there it is refracted and focused, thanks to which we are able to see well.

Keratoconus is a degenerative disease, usually involving both eyes, in which the shape of the cornea changes. It becomes thinner and unnaturally emphasized. This results in of vision, distorting the image and exacerbating problems such as myopia or astigmatism. With severe condition, scars may even form at the apex of the cone.

Keratoconus is most common in adolescence and people up to the age of 30. Less common in people over this age. This ailment is progressive. Initially, the changes may be slight, hence the detection of the disease are sometimes delayed. The changes increase over time, and then – over the course of several years they are stunted at various stages of advancement.

Unfortunately, the causes of keratoconus are not fully understood. Most likely it is associated with the damage to the building material of the cornea – i.e. collagen. Some specialists believe that the condition may be related to the rubbing of the eyes. For example, called them itching in atopic dermatitis or allergies. It may also have a genetic basis. It is estimated, that approximately 7-8% of cases are transmitted in families.

The symptoms of this condition include:

• blurred vision in one or both eyes
• rapid build-up of a visual defect – the need to change glasses frequently,
• dispersion of light around its sources combined with photophobia.

Diagnosis of early or intermediate keratoconus is possible with a slit-lamp examination and additional examinations such as corneal topography and measuring its thickness.

Keratoconus therapy is based on the strengthening of modified corneal collagen fibers using KXL Avedro cross-linking method. It is based on installing the cornea with a special preparation and irradiating it with UV light. Thanks to the improvement of the previous method, the treatment time has been reduced by half compared to the standard procedure. Also, the feeling of discomfort is less than in the case of the classic CXL cross-linking method. Strengthening the corneal’s collagen fibers is a basic procedure that protects the eyeball and protects against progressive deterioration of its condition.

The cross-linking method can be applied to a patient of any age. The important thing, however, is that it’s the best therapeutic effects are achieved by carrying it out in the earliest possible stage of the disease. The treatment saves cornea – and its great advantage is not only painlessness, but also the fact that it takes time to perform it in a very short time : it takes a few minutes. Thanks to this, it is possible to carry it out in young children as well as people with various general health conditions.

We cordially invite you to the Ophthalmology Clinic – for consultations with experienced ophthalmologists.