Keratoconus is a condition which affects the shape of the cornea

Corneal cross-linking is a treatment used to help stabilise the cornea in suitable candidates.

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

Keratoconus is a condition which affects the shape of the cornea

Corneal cross-linking is a treatment used to help stabilise the cornea in suitable candidates.

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

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As seen in

Stabilise Keratoconus with Targeted Treatments

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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 screen for keratoconus. The condition usually develops in teenage years and can progress rapidly. Symptoms of keratoconus may include:

  • 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 implants placed within the cornea. They may be considered for people with keratoconus who can no longer wear contact lenses comfortably. The rings are designed to change the shape of the cornea, and your clinician will explain how this may influence your vision and whether this option is suitable for your eyes.
    • 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 customised 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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At our eye clinic in Adelaide, we offer a range of treatment options designed to address different vision needs. After your procedure, you will be guided through what to expect as you adjust to your vision. Many people find that this stage helps them return to their usual routines with more clarity about how to manage their eye health.

Affiliations and memberships

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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.

Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, a specialist laser eye and cataract surgeon in Adelaide.

For more than 15 years, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of patients achieve clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses, having performed more than 15,000 eye procedures.

Vision correction requires precision, experience and sound clinical judgement. Achieving consistently excellent outcomes depends not only on advanced technology, but also on the expertise of the surgeon using it.

I understand that choosing eye surgery is an important decision. Every person’s eyes—and visual needs—are different, so treatment should be carefully tailored to your eye health, lifestyle and goals.

Your complimentary initial assessment is an opportunity to explore your suitability, learn about the options available and have your questions answered without obligation.

I look forward to welcoming you to IVISION LASER in Adelaide and helping you discover what may be possible for your vision.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO, FWCRS&VS
Specialist Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon