Keratoconus Treatment

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In the early stages of keratoconus, glasses or soft contact lenses may help to correct the nearsightedness and astigmatism associated with the disease. As the condition progresses and the cornea becomes increasingly thin, more advanced treatment is required. Our experienced providers Dr. Rabinovitch and Dr. Lam specialize in the treatment of keratoconus.

Intacs®

In this procedure, thin prescription inserts are placed into the mid-layer of the cornea to flatten it. This in turn can help improve vision in patients with keratoconus as the cornea becomes less pronounced. The FDA-approved implants are removable and exchangeable– and may be needed when the distorted vision from keratoconus can no longer be corrected with contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, if the disease progresses, INTACS® cannot prevent the need for a corneal transplant.

Collagen Cross-Linking

A non-invasive procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue to stop it from bulging. Eye drops containing riboflavin (vitamin B2) are applied to the cornea and then activated by ultraviolet light. This strengthens collagen fibers within the cornea, making it more rigid and able to resist weakening and bulging.

Corneal Transplant

Surgery is needed for patients with advanced keratoconus, where other therapies no longer provide clear vision. This usually occurs in 15-20% of cases. In corneal transplant surgery, most of the cornea is removed and then replaced with a new donor cornea. The results of the procedure have a success rate of over 97%.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing for Keratoconus

Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus require a variety of advanced technologies. These tools help in assessing the severity of the condition and planning appropriate treatment strategies. Here are some of the state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies we use:

The OPD scan is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that evaluates the eye’s refractive power and wavefront aberrations. It provides detailed information on corneal topography, which helps in detecting early signs of keratoconus by identifying irregularities in the corneal shape.

Benefits:

Detailed analysis of the corneal surface.
Detection of even subtle corneal irregularities.
Assists in planning customized treatment options.

The Pentacam is a sophisticated imaging device that performs a rotating scan of the anterior eye segment. It provides a 3D map of the cornea, anterior chamber, and lens, giving crucial insights into corneal thickness, curvature, and depth.

Benefits:

High-resolution imaging of the entire anterior segment.
Accurate measurement of corneal thickness and curvature.
Essential for early detection and monitoring progression.

The Corvis ST uses an ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug camera to capture dynamic corneal response to an air puff. It measures corneal biomechanical properties, providing valuable information about the stiffness and elasticity of the cornea.

Benefits:

Non-contact method for assessing corneal biomechanics.
Helps in distinguishing between different stages of keratoconus.
Valuable for evaluating the effectiveness of cross-linking treatments.

Epithelial OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that captures detailed cross-sectional images of the cornea’s epithelial layer. It allows for precise measurement of epithelial thickness, which can show early signs of keratoconus.

Benefits:

High-resolution images of the epithelial layer.
Detection of early changes in epithelial thickness.
Assists in planning customized treatments and monitoring disease progression.

How These Technologies Help in Diagnosis

Using these advanced diagnostic tools, we can accurately diagnose keratoconus in its early stages, monitor its progression, and tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Early and precise diagnosis is crucial for effective management of keratoconus, as it allows for timely intervention that can slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision.

By employing a combination of these technologies, we ensure a comprehensive assessment of the cornea, enabling us to provide the highest standard of care to our patients. Whether you’re experiencing early symptoms or have been living with keratoconus for years, our advanced diagnostic capabilities ensure you receive the most accurate and effective treatment available.

Dr. Theodore Rabinovitch and the team at North Toronto Eye Care have helped provide keratoconus patients with innovative options and emerging treatments that help correct or even halt the progression of the disease.