KERATOCONUS

• The exact cause isn’t fully known, but genetics and environmental factors play a role.

• Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, light sensitivity, and ghosting or double vision.

• Options include glasses, specialty contact lenses (especially scleral lenses), and corneal cross-linking. Surgical options include intracorneal ring segments, TREK, PRK, and DALK.

• Diagnosis involves an eye examination, including visual acuity testing, retinoscopy, slit-lamp examination, corneal topography, and pachymetry.

• Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that strengthens your cornea using riboflavin eye drops and UV light. It can slow or stop keratoconus progression.

• Corneal cross-linking combined with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a treatment option that combines the cornea-stabilizing effects of cross-linking with the surface smoothing benefits of PTK. This combination can improve visual acuity and correct refractive errors while stabilizing the cornea.

• There is no cure, but treatments like corneal cross-linking can slow or stop its progression, and other treatments can improve vision.

• Scleral lenses are larger lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (sclera) and vault over the cornea, providing a smooth optical surface. RGP lenses are smaller lenses that rest directly on the cornea.

• People with keratoconus should have regular follow-up appointments to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.

• Avoiding eye rubbing, protecting your eyes from UV light, and wearing protective eyewear can help manage keratoconus and prevent further progression.

• Scleral contact lenses provide excellent vision correction and comfort by vaulting over the cornea and resting on the sclera. They also create a tear-filled space that smooths out irregularities in the cornea’s surface.

• PKP, or full-thickness corneal transplant, replaces the entire cornea with healthy donor tissue. It is a treatment option for advanced keratoconus and can significantly improve vision.

• DALK is a partial-thickness corneal transplant that replaces the damaged outer layers of the cornea while preserving the inner layer (endothelium). This procedure reduces the risk of rejection and other complications.

• TREK is a laser procedure that uses corneal topography to guide the laser treatment. It reshapes the cornea according to its specific irregularities, improving visual acuity and corneal symmetry.

• Keratoconus is an eye condition where the clear front part of your eye (the cornea) gets thin and changes shape, which can cause blurry vision.

• Doctors classify keratoconus by how much the cornea is affected and how fast the condition progresses.

• The cost depends on the treatment you choose and the clinic you visit.
• Glasses and contact lenses might be more affordable, while surgeries could cost more.

Surgery costs can vary depending on the procedure and the healthcare provider.Let’s talk about the different options and costs that could work for you.

• C3R (corneal cross-linking) treatment costs depend on where you live and the medical provider.
• It’s important to consider the doctor’s experience and the facility’s reputation.

This can slowC3R, or corneal cross-linking, helps strengthen the cornea with special eye drops and UV light.down or stop the progression of keratoconus.

• A keratoconus specialist is an eye doctor who has expertise in diagnosing and treating keratoconus.
• • Typically, they are ophthalmologists with special training in corneal conditions and diseases.
  • These specialists often have a fellowship in cornea and external eye diseases from a reputable institute.
  • They can provide tailored treatment plans for keratoconus, ranging from non-surgical options to advanced surgical interventions.
  • Their knowledge helps guide you through all stages of managing keratoconus and keeping your vision as clear as possible.

• The cost depends on the treatment you need and where you go for care.
• Glasses and contact lenses might be more affordable, while surgeries could cost more.

• Keratoconus doesn’t usually lead to blindness.
• But, in severe cases, it can cause vision problems.
• Early treatment helps keep your vision stable.

• Keratoconus can cause serious vision problems, but blindness is rare.
• We can work together to find the right treatment plan for you.

• With proper care, blindness can be avoided.
• Early diagnosis and ongoing care can help you keep your vision.
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• Keratoconus can’t be completely cured, but we have effective treatments.
• Options like corneal cross-linking and special contact lenses can slow progression and improve vision.

• Keratoconus can be serious if it’s not treated, as it may get worse over time.
• Early diagnosis and management can help stabilize your condition.

• If keratoconus affects your vision a lot, you may qualify for low vision accommodations for UPSC exams.
• Check with your eye doctor and the exam board for more details.

• Allergic conjunctivitis can cause eye rubbing, which may make keratoconus worse.
• Avoiding eye rubbing is very important for managing keratoconus.

• Symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, light sensitivity, ghosting or double vision, and mild eye irritation.
• These symptoms can vary depending on how serious your condition is.

• Special contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses and scleral lenses, provide better vision correction.Scleral lenses cover the cornea and smooth out its surface.

• Non-surgical treatments include prescription glasses and specialty contact lenses.These options can help manage vision problems in the early stages of keratoconus.
   

• Keratoconus can cause blurry or distorted vision due to changes in the cornea’s shape
• Vision problems can make everyday tasks like driving, reading, or using a computer more challenging.

• Keratoconus can cause blurry or distorted vision due to changes in the cornea’s shape
• Vision problems can make everyday tasks like driving, reading, or using a computer more challenging.