Keratoconus: Symptoms, Causes, and Advanced Treatment Options
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the shape and clarity of your vision. Instead of maintaining a dome-like shape, the cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This irregular shape causes distorted and blurred vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially when the condition worsens over time.
At LJ Eye Institute, Ambala, expert ophthalmologists and advanced technology come together to offer the most precise diagnosis and a range of treatment options for keratoconus patients.
What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Symptoms often appear in the late teens or early twenties and can worsen over 10–20 years. Early detection is key.
Common signs include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light or glare
- Sudden worsening of vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Double vision in one eye
- Halos or ghosting, especially at night
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to get a corneal topography exam at LJ Eye Institute, which accurately maps the corneal surface.
What Causes Keratoconus?
While the exact cause is unknown, several risk factors are associated with keratoconus:
- Genetics: Family history increases risk
- Chronic eye rubbing: Often linked with allergies
- Eye trauma or conditions: Such as retinitis pigmentosa or vernal keratoconjunctivitis
- Connective tissue disorders: Including Marfan Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
The disease is typically bilateral (affecting both eyes), though one eye may progress faster than the other.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology at LJ Eye Institute, Ambala
LJ Eye Institute uses cutting-edge tools like:
- Pentacam imaging for corneal mapping
- Anterior segment OCT for layer-by-layer corneal evaluation
- Keratometry and Corneal Pachymetry to detect thinning
- These allow for early detection and monitoring of progression.
Treatment Options Available at LJ Eye Institute
Treatment is based on the severity of the disease.
Mild to Moderate Keratoconus:
1.Spectacles or Contact Lenses
- Soft lenses in early stages
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses in moderate stages
2. Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R/CXL)
- Strengthens corneal tissue to halt progression
- Minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective when detected early
LJ Eye Institute offers advanced CXL technology with minimal healing time
Moderate to Severe Keratoconus:
3. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
- Used when vision correction with glasses or lenses is insufficient
- Safe alternative to LASIK, especially when cornea is thin
4. Topography-Guided PRK
- Surface laser treatment to smooth the cornea
- Often done after CXL in selected cases
Advanced Keratoconus:
5. Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
- Performed when scarring or thinning is too severe for other treatments
- Full-thickness (PK) or partial (DALK) transplants are offered based on the condition
At LJ Eye Institute, expert surgeons carefully choose the best method for each patient, ensuring excellent visual outcomes and long-term stability.
Why Choose LJ Eye Institute, Ambala?
- Over 20 years of excellence in corneal care
- Specialized doctors in cornea & keratoconus management
- Latest diagnostic and surgical tools
- Affordable care with world-class standards
- Personalized follow-up and support for every patient