Keratoconus is a condition which affects the shape of the cornea

We can stop the progression of this condition with corneal cross-linking vision correction

Patients inquiring about keratoconus will need a referral from their optometrist.

Keratoconus is a condition which affects the shape of the cornea

We can stop the progression of this condition with corneal cross-linking

Patients inquiring about keratoconus will need a referral from their optometrist.

As seen in

As seen in

Stabilise Keratoconus with Targeted Treatments

Quickly discover more about this condition and how we treat it

Keratoconus incidence / prevalence

  • Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally spherical cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. The cornea is a clear organ that lies in the central portion of the surface of the eye. In patients with keratoconus, the cone-shaped cornea cannot focus light rays properly and causes distorted vision.
  • Keratoconus often begins to develop in the adolescent years. A variant called pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) affects patients in older years. Changes in the shape of the cornea occur gradually, usually over several years.

  • The cause of keratoconus is largely unknown. Some genetic links have been identified. Whilst most people with keratoconus are otherwise healthy, patients with Down’s syndrome, connective tissue diseases, and certain retinal conditions are at higher risk of developing keratoconus. Allergic eye disease associated with eye rubbing is present in a significant proportion of patients with keratoconus.1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8378899/

Keratoconus can be difficult to detect. Usually a test called “Topography” is required. At IVISION LASER we have several forms of topography measurements which help to accurately screen for keratoconus. The condition usually develops in teenage years and can progress rapidly. Symptoms of keratoconus may include2https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-keratoconus:

  • Short-sightedness (Myopia)
  • Astigmatism (uneven curvature of the eye’s surface)
  • Double vision
  • Headaches due to eye strain
  • Glare
  • Light sensitivity.

  • In the early stages of keratoconus, glasses or soft contact lenses may correct the near-sightedness and astigmatism associated with the disease. As the condition progresses and the cornea becomes increasingly thin, more advanced treatment is required.
Collagen Cross Linking (CXL)
  • The procedure involves strengthening the corneal tissue to slow down the thinning of the cornea. In corneal collagen cross linking, eye drops that contain riboflavin (vitamin B2) are applied to the cornea and then activated by ultraviolet light. This strengthens the collagen fibres within the cornea. Collagen cross linking increases the bonds between chains of collagen leading to an immediate and generally permanent increase in the structural strength of the cornea.
  • With today’s improved technology, the vast majority of people suffering from keratoconus and other corneal ectasia may safely undergo cross-linking. Our results show 100% efficacy at stabilising keratoconus at 2 years post treatment. Approximately half of the patients experience an improvement in their astigmatism and contact lens fitting.
  • CXL can be combined with other treatment modalities such as Kerarings and topography-guided PRK to further improve the vision. Dr. Gupta will discuss the best laser eye surgery keratoconus treatment options for you during the consultation.
Keraring
  • Kerarings are tiny, transparent, semi-circular, plastic implants. These implants are used for patients who are no longer able to wear contact lenses comfortably. Kerarings are placed within your cornea to make its shape more normal. This improves the quality of vision and reduces myopia and astigmatism associated with the keratoconus.
  • Keraring implants are designed to make it more comfortable to wear hard contact lenses. In most patients this avoids the need for a corneal transplant. Kerarings may even improve your vision to the point where you can use soft contacts or glasses instead.
  • The procedure is performed using a femtosecond laser to create a channel in the cornea into which the Keraring is inserted. As the procedure is minimally invasive this allows patients to rapidly resume their normal activities.
Topography-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy (TGPRK)
  • TGPRK is an excimer laser treatment designed to reduce irregular astigmatism in keratoconus and some other corneal conditions such as anterior basement membrane dystrophy. It can also be used to treat pronounced corneal irregularities, scarring and surgically induced irregular astigmatism beyond the range of wavefront sensing devices. The data is derived from corneal topography measurements, which allows treatment to be customized to each individual patient’s corneal profile. The treatment is often combined with collagen cross-linking to prevent the progression of keratoconus.

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Discover how you can wave goodbye to your vision problems and live your best life

Take the next step in discovering how you can have vibrant and healthy eyes.

Learn more about Keratoconus eye surgery through these online resources

Expand your knowledge about Keratoconus. (These links will take you off our website.)

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes a thinning of the clear front surface of the eye (cornea) and distorts the cornea into a cone-like shape.

Keratoconus causes distorted vision that cannot be corrected with spectacles. Most cases of keratoconus become apparent during a person’s teens or early 20’s. It can affect one or both eyes. Click here for more information.

This seminal paper discusses the risk factors and association with the severity of keratoconus in Australia. Click here for more information.

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Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, your laser and cataract surgeon in Adelaide

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the joy of helping thousands of patients of all ages gain clear vision and freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery is a skill. Performing vision correction at a world-class standard hinges upon the expertise of your surgeon and their access to state-of-the-art tools.

I understand that getting eye surgery is a serious decision. Your eyes are unique and you should demand a custom solution tailored to your needs, lifestyle and goals. That’s why we offer a free appointment so we can meet and I can take the time to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you have.

I am passionate about helping patients transform their lives. I look forward to spending time with you at our gorgeous eye clinic in the heart of Adelaide to see whether you could gain exceptional vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon