The reason surgeons advise patients to wait for laser eye surgery is to ensure they do not have Keratoconus. Keratoconus is a genetic condition where the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, distorting vision. This condition typically develops between a person’s teenage years and early adulthood. Since it is most likely to arise before the age of 18, waiting until then allows time to determine if the patient has Keratoconus, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the laser eye surgery.
Understanding how Keratoconus affects surgery prospects is crucial. The condition can significantly impact the cornea’s structure and stability, making procedures like LASIK unsuitable and potentially harmful. If a person with undiagnosed Keratoconus undergoes laser eye surgery, it could aggravate the corneal thinning and lead to severe vision problems. Instead, alternative treatments such as corneal cross-linking, which strengthens the cornea, or the use of specialized contact lenses might be recommended.
Patients who experience symptoms like frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, blurry vision, glare, or halos around lights should consult an eye specialist to rule out Keratoconus.
Early detection and appropriate management of the condition are vital to maintaining optimal eye health and determining the best treatment options for vision correction.
What is Keratoconus, and what are its signs?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the normally round, dome-shaped cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This abnormal shape distorts vision by causing irregular astigmatism and often near-sightedness, making it difficult to see clearly.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
- Visual glare in natural light conditions: Patients often experience excessive glare from natural light sources.
- Seeing halos and stars around lights: Bright lights may appear surrounded by halos or starbursts.
- Double vision: Objects may appear duplicated, even when looking with one eye.
- Difficulty adapting to changes in light conditions: Transitioning between different lighting conditions can be challenging.
- Contact lens intolerance or poorly fitting contact lenses: As the cornea’s shape changes, contact lenses may no longer fit well, causing discomfort.
- Frequent changes in prescription or glasses: The need for new glasses prescriptions increases as vision deteriorates.
- Corneal scarring leading to visual disturbances: As the condition progresses, scarring may occur, further impairing vision.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential not to dismiss laser eye surgery outright. These symptoms can be associated with other conditions as well, so obtaining a full diagnosis from an eye specialist is crucial before making any decisions about surgery.
Who is at Risk of Keratoconus?
The exact cause of Keratoconus is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. One theory suggests that individuals with allergies are more likely to rub their eyes, which can cause damage to the cornea and potentially lead to Keratoconus. Chronic eye rubbing is a significant risk factor as it can weaken the corneal structure over time.
Genetic Factors
Keratoconus is also linked to genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, and Turner Syndrome. These conditions often have associated connective tissue abnormalities, which can contribute to the weakening of the corneal structure. Studies have shown that about 10-20% of patients with Keratoconus have a family history of the condition, indicating a possible genetic predisposition.
Poor Eye Hygiene
Poor eye hygiene can also increase the risk of developing Keratoconus. Ensuring that hands are clean before touching the eyes, especially after contact with dirty surfaces, can help reduce this risk. Maintaining good eye hygiene practices is essential to prevent infections and other complications that could weaken the cornea.
Additional Risk Factors
Other risk factors include:
- Age: Keratoconus typically starts during adolescence or early adulthood.
- Ethnicity: Some studies suggest that certain ethnic groups may have a higher prevalence of Keratoconus.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to UV rays and oxidative stress may also play a role in the development of the condition.
Can You Have Laser Eye Surgery if You Have Keratoconus?
After a diagnosis of Keratoconus, experts advise against laser eye surgery and it is generally not recommended. The cornea is already weak, and performing Laser eye surgery risks aggravating the condition, weakening the cornea further and potentially leading to more severe vision problems.
Keratoconus-Friendly Alternatives
However, there are alternative treatments designed specifically for Keratoconus. Consulting with an eye surgeon is crucial before making any decisions about your vision. Some of the effective non-laser procedures include:
- Collagen Cross-Linking: This procedure involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) to the eye, which is then activated by UV light. This process helps to strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea, preventing further bulging and deterioration. Cross-linking can stabilize the condition and is often recommended for early to moderate cases of Keratoconus.
- INTACS: These are small, crescent-shaped plastic inserts that are surgically placed in the cornea. INTACS help to flatten the cornea slightly, improving vision and reducing the irregular shape caused by Keratoconus. This procedure can be combined with Collagen Cross-linking to provide better results.
- Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL): These are lenses surgically implanted inside the eye, typically in front of the natural lens or behind the iris. ICLs can correct vision by working together with the eye’s natural lens, offering a stable and effective vision correction option for individuals with Keratoconus.
- Lens Replacement Surgery: Also known as intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, this surgical procedure involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. This can effectively correct vision and stabilize the eye’s refractive error caused by Keratoconus, providing a long-term solution.
Combination Treatments
In some cases, a combination of Collagen Cross-Linking and INTACS can be used to improve the visual outlook for patients with Keratoconus. This combined approach can stabilize the cornea and provide structural support, leading to improved vision and a reduction in the progression of the condition.
This combined approach can stabilize the cornea and provide structural support, leading to improved vision and a reduction in the progression of the condition. Whilst simultaneously making contact lens wear more comfortable, meaning that hard lenses will no longer be necessary and that soft contact lenses will become a viable vision correction option again.
Consultation
It is essential to consult with a specialized eye surgeon who can evaluate the severity of your Keratoconus and recommend the most suitable treatment options. Each case is unique, and a tailored approach is necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes for your vision health.
Find Out How Precision Vision London Can Help You
If you would like to find out more about Keratoconus treatments at Precision Vision London and how they can transform your life, call us today at 020 3884 6805 or book a consultation to see how we can help you.
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