Keratoconus is the name given to the sharpening of the cornea, which is one of the most important parts of a healthy vision. This condition can cause significant problems if it’s left untreated.
In keratoconus disease, the cornea is cone shaped. In this case, it is difficult for the cornea to transmit the image clearly. Astigmatism is a condition caused by this corneal shape.
Keratoconus is a problem that usually occurs at a young age. This disorder, which starts in adolescence or early 20s, can be treated according to its progression. Wearing glasses or lenses early will help you to solve this problem. If no solution is found in the early period, even a corneal transplant may be necessary.
Keratoconus is usually a condition that can be treated without a surgical intervention. However, it is extremely important not to wear glasses and lenses, as this triggers the progression of the disease. For this reason, it is important to have an eye examination at regular intervals.
WHY DOES KERATOCONUS OCCUR?
Important studies on keratoconus have been carried out in recent years. With these studies, some ideas about the causes of keratoconus have been put forward. Accordingly, keratoconus occurs due to weakening of the cornea and collagen imbalance within the cornea. The imbalance of the enzymes in the cornea causes the free radicals to make the cornea more susceptible to oxidative damage.
Causes of corneal damage, weakening and enzyme imbalance include genetic causes. Some people have a predisposition to this condition.
Keratoconus is a condition that can be seen from time to time due to external factors. The harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun also cause the cornea to deteriorate. Excessive eye scrubbing, contact lens use and eye irritation are also triggers of keratoconus.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF KERATOCONUS?
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry view
- Crooked view
- Frequent changes in eyeglass numbers
- Suddenly deteriorating and blurred vision
HOW IS KERATOCONUS TREATED?
Keratoconus treatment varies according to the progression of the disease. Keratoconus, which is still in the initial stage, can provide good vision with the help of glasses and lenses. Many people with astigmatism have overcome this condition with the help of glasses and lenses. However, when the keratoconus disease becomes more advanced, it is not possible to correct the vision with the help of glasses and lenses. In such cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION
Corneal transplantation is the latest method for keratoconus. Thanks to this extremely common method, tenthousands of people overcome this problem every year.
For a corneal transplant, a donor is required in the first place. The surgical cornea is replaced with a new cornea. Since the cornea does not have a blood connection with the body, it does not have to be taken from any blood group. Corneal transplantation is usually a successful transplant.
CORNEAL RING
One of the most important alternatives for patients who cannot wear contact lenses is the ring placed inside the cornea. The purpose of these ring is to correct the shape of the cornea. Thanks to this procedure using topical anesthesia, the shape of the cornea can be corrected to a certain extent and vision is improved. These ring placed in the eye can be retrieved at a later time according to the patient’s request.
CORNEAL CROSS LINKING
With the CCL treatment, the bonds between the collagen fibers in the cornea are strengthened. Ultraviole A and B2 vitamins used during the treatment provide strengthening of the corneal structure.
Studies have shown that the Corneal Cross Linking treatment shows very positive results. With CCL treatment, the progression of keratoconus disease has been shown to halt significantly. In this way, the quality of vision increases and the disease regresses.