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KERATOCONUS
TREATMENT
In the early stage, glasses and contact lenses can be used to correct any astigmatism induced vision problems.
Keratoconus patients may have an increased habit of eye rubbing, which weakens the cornea. As the disease progresses glasses prescriptions can change rapidly, and despite the change in lens prescription, the quality of vision is difficult to retain. As the cornea weakens and becomes more distorted, Keratoconus contact lenses or Scleral contact lenses can be fitted, by the optometric contact lens Team at Vision Express.
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Six monthly check-up appointments will be needed to monitor the progression of the disease.
Keratoconus normally affects both eyes, but not always with the same severity. Keratoconus develops at different speeds in different patients. The Ophthalmologist, at Vision Express Medical, will advise at which stage of the progression of Keratoconus, Collagen Cross Linking Surgery is required.
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (CXL)
Collagen Cross Linking Surgery involves carefully applied Riboflavin drops to the cornea, and the use of UV light. This treatment strengthens and thickens the cornea, so that specialized contacts lenses, or Intrastromal corneal rings (inserted during a follow on surgery) can flatten the cornea and reduce distortion of vision. If Keratoconus is not treated and checked regularly it can lead to a ruptured cornea and extensive corneal transplant surgery.
Specialized Contact Lenses
As the disease progresses and the corneal cone protrudes more, glasses or soft contact lenses no longer provide sufficient vision correction.
There are a few specialized contact lenses that may provide improved vision for patients with advanced keratoconus.
- Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses. These hard lenses overcome the abnormal optics of the misshapen cornea as they do not assume the corneal shape when placed on the surface of the cornea. Hard contact lenses are an excellent optical solution; however, they may sometimes be uncomfortable to wear. Wearing the hard contact lens on top of a soft contact lens or using a hybrid lens (hard in the center, soft in the edges) can be helpful.
- Scleral Lenses. In extremely protruding cones, fitting a hard contact lens may become difficult. Patients may benefit from larger diameter lenses that lie on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea without touching its surface. Such hard contact lenses are referred to as scleral lenses. In general, these lenses are very comfortable to wear and provide excellent vision in select patients.
- PROSE Lenses. A special subtype of scleral lenses is called PROSE (prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem). This prosthetic device may be especially useful in extreme cases of keratoconus, and is generally reserved as a last resort before a corneal transplant is considered.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE SERVICES AT VISION EXPRESS MEDICAL
ORANGE GROVE PLAZA ST. LUCIA
INFO@VISIONEXPRESSCARIBBEAN.COM
Testimonials
"I got my cataract surgery at VE Medical in Saint Lucia. The team took great care of me from start to finish. Very lovely people."
Mr. Fics
Business Man
Ms Caroline Casimir was successfully with cataract and retinal surgery in both eyes."The team at Vision Express are very caring and capable of doing what they do."
Ms. Caroline Casimir
Ms Dorothy Henry has undergone CATARACT SURGERY in both eyes. She was delighted with the service and was very thankful of the team of nurses and doctors.
Ms Dorothy Henry