Keratoconus is a disease characterized by chronic and progressive course. In the condition of "keratoconus," the cornea of the eyeball takes on a conical shape and becomes very thin. The disease is usually detected by the age of 12.
Causes
Poor ecology, improper nutrition, and gradual poisoning by chemicals can cause keratoconus.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
The symptoms of keratoconus are quite extensive. The most common signs of the disease are double vision and blurriness of the visible image. A slight blurriness of the picture can be considered the first symptom. As the disease progresses, it significantly worsens vision, which can happen very quickly. The sharpness of vision changes, becoming reduced regardless of distance. Sometimes, only one of the two eyes sees poorly.
Diagnosis of Keratoconus in Israel
To diagnose keratoconus, an ophthalmologist conducts a thorough examination of the cornea of the eyeball using a slit lamp. In cases of high eye involvement, this type of examination immediately reveals the disease. The most accurate diagnostic results can be obtained using a special computer examination. This examination allows for the creation of an accurate topographic map of the eyeball, assessment of its condition, and identification of all possible irregularities and deviations from spherical shape. With the help of computer examination, a diagnosis can be made immediately while monitoring the slightest changes in the cornea of the eyeball.
Treatment of Keratoconus in Israel
In modern medicine, the preferred methods for treating keratoconus are surgical and therapeutic.
The therapeutic method of treating keratoconus has a couple of variations:
- Wearing contact lenses made of rigid materials; this method involves wearing lenses made of hard materials; the active treatment occurs by filling the gap in the eyeball with fluid, which makes the distribution of perceived light rays much more even. In the treatment of the so-called keratoconus, gas-permeable lenses made of rigid materials were previously used. Specialized soft hydrogel lenses were also created, but they can negate all treatment by enveloping the cone of the cornea. To eliminate this factor, hybrid lenses were created, which have a hardened center and a softened edge;
- Collagen-corneal cross-linking; this technique combines the instillation of riboflavin with subsequent ultraviolet irradiation lasting half an hour; it stabilizes the developing keratoconus and prevents thinning of the cornea; the procedure can also prevent the need for corneal tissue implantation. Technically, the process proceeds as follows: narrowing drops are instilled into the eye, followed by anesthetic drops; then, the epithelial layer of the eye is carefully removed with specialized instruments; after that, a vitamin complex is applied for half an hour; in the following half hour, the cornea is treated with ultraviolet radiation while continuing the instillation; then, it is necessary to wear a protective lens to protect the corneal tissue and improve adaptation. This method is considered one of the safest.
The surgical method of treatment also has two directions:
- Implantation of implants or ring elements; this technique involves the implantation of an implant consisting of two thin legs made of polymethyl methacrylate between two layers of corneal stroma from both sides; the implants slightly press against the cornea in the opposite direction from the conical body, causing the top of the cone to sink, acquiring a normal structure; the advantage of this technique is the absence of tissue excision.
- Implantation of corneal tissue or keratoplasty; this is used when it is impossible to use other methods; it involves the implantation of donor cornea, either completely or partially; the cornea of the eye lacks blood vessels, which is why there is no need to find a matching blood type. In most cases, the implant integrates well within six months to two years.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures against keratoconus. It is mainly a hereditary disease. However, after treatment, the ophthalmologist will definitely advise on what needs to be done to prevent recurrence of the condition.