Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, slowly thins and changes shape. Normally, the cornea has a round curved shape. In keratoconus, the cornea thins and becomes cone-shaped. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye, resulting in distorted or blurred vision. In the early stages of the disease, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be all that is needed to correct vision. However, as the disease progresses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses or corneal transplants may be necessary.
LASIK surgery is a type of refractive surgery used to correct various vision problems. It is most commonly used to treat myopia (nearsightedness) but can also be used to treat hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. LASIK is an abbreviation for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” In LASIK surgery, a laser is used to create a flap in the cornea. This flap is then lifted so that the cornea can be reshaped with the laser. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is then replaced.
LASIK surgery has been shown to be an effective treatment for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, there is no evidence to suggest that LASIK surgery can correct keratoconus. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that LASIK surgery may actually worsen the condition. For this reason, it is generally not recommended for people with keratoconus. If you have keratoconus and are considering LASIK surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits.
How is keratoconus treated?
Keratoconus is treated with a variety of methods, depending on the severity of the condition. In its early stages, keratoconus may be treated with rigid gas permeable contact lenses, which help to reshape the cornea. More advanced cases may require corneal transplant surgery to replace the damaged tissue with healthy tissue from a donor. In some cases, special implantable contact lenses may be used to help correct vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have laser eye surgery if I have keratoconus?
There is no known safe procedure for patients with keratoconus and laser eye surgery. Laser refractive surgery can further thin the cornea and make keratoconus worse.
Will LASEK or LASIK make my cornea unstable?
It is possible that a relatively stable cornea may actually be made more unstable by undergoing LASEK or LASIK surgery. The reason for this is that the surgery can reshape the cornea
What are the treatment options for keratoconus?
Keratoconus can be treated with a variety of options, depending on the severity and type of keratoconus. Treatment typically begins with glasses or contact lenses to improve vision and help control the disease. If vision is still inadequate after these treatments, corneal transplants may be considered.
Can all-laser LASIK fix vision issues?
No. All-laser LASIK does not correct all vision issues. You may need other treatments, such as refractive surgery or glasses, in order to achieve optimal vision.
How do you know if you have keratoconus?
The easiest way to diagnose keratoconus is by having a professional eyesight exam. During the exam, your doctor will measure your average eye D measurements in one or more directions (from front to back, side to side and up and down). This score also accounts for your close vision, which is important because it determines your ability to see closely at reading and computer screens.
