What is Keratoconus?
Are you hearing this term first time? Do not be worried we are here to serve you. Keratoconus is a term used for eye disease in which the round structure of cornea gets thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone shape cornea cannot work properly and deflects light in an improper way causing distorted vision.
This abnormality may occur in one or both eyes and often reported during teen years or in the early 20s. Good news is that this is totally curable through a procedure called Corneal Cross-Linking Technique being carried out successfully at Laser Vision Centre Karachi.
How to identify it?
Most common signs of this abnormality which can help you to detect it are following:
- Nearsightedness
- Problem in eye focusing
- Distorted or blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
Why does it happen?
This abnormality happens due to imbalances of enzymes of the cornea. And enzyme imbalance may occur due to following reasons:
- Genetic predisposition
- Radiation exposure
- Excessive eye rubbing
- Poorly fitted contact lenses
How to treat it?
For treatment, surgery is the only permanent solution for this structural abnormality. Many surgical methods are available to treat this disorder, among them corneal cross-linking method is the reliable one being practiced at Laser Vision Centre Lahore by a team of highly qualified experts.
A Complete Guide For KERATOCONUS By Dr. Zeeshan
Corneal Cross-Linking Method to Cure Keratoconus:
This surgical method is simply based on the application of a thick solution of riboflavin commonly known as vitamin B2 to the eye and exposure to controlled ultraviolet radiations for approximately 30 or fewer minutes. The riboflavin is applied to causes new bond formation among collagen bands of a corneal stromal layer. New bond formation gives strength and thickness to the delicate cornea which got thin before and also helps to get its original round structure back. This is a standard protocol but surgeons can do it in two ways. The two basic types of corneal cross-linking are mentioned here;
Epithelium-off CXL:
In this type of cross-linking method thin outer layer of the cornea is removed. This removal is done to allow more penetration of the liquid riboflavin so that it can reach to all cells to recover damage.
Also Read: 4 Types of Complaints that can be Resolved by Laser Cataract Surgery
Epithelium-on CXL:
This is also named as the Transepithelial procedure. In this type, the protective corneal epithelium is not removed but left intact. In this case, loading time of riboflavin increased so that it properly reaches to the cells to recover all damage.
Advantages of Corneal Cross-Linking Technique:
Corneal cross-linking is the method of choice among many other methods to cure keratoconus. It is claimed better due to following reasons;
- It is approved and safe way to cure the abnormality
- Success rates are quite satisfactory
- Patients of all age groups even the older one can get benefit of this surgical cure
- It immediately correct the corneal damage
- It has no long-term side effects
- It is quite safe for pregnant and lactating mothers in a long run.
If you or any of your loved ones have are facing any sort of vision troubles be sure to book an appointment online at Laser vision Centre Karachi or Lahore via Marham.pk. Here experts are available to treat and manage all eye related problems and advise the modern and best possible solutions.