Keratoconus Treatment and Procedures

Evidence-based treatments and procedural options for keratoconus

Explore Keratoconus Treatment options at Liv Hospital. Learn about Corneal Cross Linking, ring implants, and specialized scleral lenses for clear vision.

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Treatment and Procedures

Developing A Treatment Strategy

The goal of Keratoconus Treatment at Liv Hospital is to provide a comprehensive solution that targets both the physical structure of the eye and the quality of your vision. In the past, the only option for advanced cases was a corneal transplant. Today, thanks to medical advancements, we have several tools to intervene earlier and more effectively. Every patient’s journey begins with a choice between stabilization, reshaping, and visual rehabilitation, often using a combination of all three to achieve the best results.

Corneal Collagen Cross Linking (CXL)

Corneal Cross Linking is the most important breakthrough in the history of this condition. It is the only procedure that can actually stop the cornea from getting thinner and bulging further.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) drops are applied to the eye.
The eye is then exposed to a controlled amount of UV light.
This triggers a reaction that creates new chemical bonds between collagen fibers.
The cornea becomes significantly stiffer and more resistant to pressure.

This procedure effectively “freezes” the condition in its current state, preventing the need for future transplants for the vast majority of patients.

Intracorneal Ring Segments (Intacs)

For patients whose corneas have already become significantly irregular, ring segments offer a way to reshape the eye from within. These are tiny, clear, crescent shaped inserts placed into the middle layer of the cornea.

They work by pushing out against the curvature, which flattens the peak of the cone.
This moves the focus of the eye closer to the center, improving visual quality.
They make it much easier for the patient to be fitted with comfortable contact lenses.
The procedure is reversible and does not involve the removal of any eye tissue.

Topography Guided Laser Reshaping

In certain cases, a specialized laser treatment can be used to smooth the surface of the cornea. This is not the same as standard LASIK; it is a therapeutic procedure designed to reduce irregularities. When combined with cross linking (often called the Athens Protocol), this treatment can provide a significant boost in visual clarity by normalizing the corneal map before the tissue is hardened into its new shape.

Scleral Lenses: The Visual Gold Standard

When glasses can no longer correct vision, scleral lenses are often the best treatment for keratoconus vision recovery. These are large, rigid lenses that vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera).

The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with a sterile saline solution.
This liquid reservoir masks the irregular shape of the eye and creates a perfect optical surface.
They provide incredible clarity and are often more comfortable than standard hard lenses.
They protect the sensitive corneal surface from drying out or being irritated by the eyelids.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses were the traditional standard for vision correction in this field. These are small, hard lenses that sit directly on the cornea. By providing a firm, smooth surface, they allow light to focus more sharply than soft lenses. While they require an adaptation period for comfort, they remain a highly effective and reliable tool for many patients who prefer a smaller lens option.

Hybrid and Piggyback Lens Systems

For patients who struggle with the comfort of hard lenses, we offer hybrid and piggyback options.

Hybrid Lenses: Feature a hard center for clarity and a soft outer “skirt” for comfort.
Piggyback Systems: Involve wearing a soft contact lens underneath a hard RGP lens to protect the eye.

These specialized fitting techniques ensure that every patient, regardless of their sensitivity, can achieve the clear vision they need for their daily activities.

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Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)

If the condition has progressed to the point of deep scarring or extreme thinning, a partial corneal transplant known as DALK may be necessary. Unlike a full transplant, DALK only replaces the front and middle layers of the cornea, preserving the patient’s own healthy back layer. This significantly reduces the risk of tissue rejection and leads to a stronger, more stable eye in the long term.

Penetrating Keratoplasty (Full Transplant)

A full thickness corneal transplant is reserved for the most advanced cases where the entire corneal structure has failed. At Liv Hospital, we use advanced microsurgical techniques and high quality donor tissue to perform these procedures. While the recovery time is longer, the success rate is very high, and it remains a life changing option for those who have lost functional vision to the disease.

Choosing The Right Path For You

Selecting the best Keratoconus Treatment is a collaborative process. We consider the stability of your condition, the thickness of your cornea, and your lifestyle needs.

Proactive stabilization for young or progressing patients.
Visual rehabilitation for those with stable but irregular corneas.
Surgical reconstruction for advanced cases with scarring.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the most advanced, least invasive options available today, ensuring your sight is protected through every stage of the condition.