Keratoconus is a chronic, progressive disease affecting the cornea—the eye’s transparent front lens. Its incidence is around 2 per 100,000 people, though the true rate is likely higher.
Risk factors include:
– Atopy
– Genetics
– Eye rubbing
– Connective tissue disorders
Keratoconus typically affects both eyes, though severity often differs between them. It becomes clinically evident when the cornea thins and adopts a cone-like shape, creating irregular curvature and altered refractive power, leading to blurred and distorted vision at all distances.
Though keratoconus is not reversible, its progression can be halted with corneal cross-linking. Early diagnosis and timely intervention with advanced techniques are crucial to prevent corneal deformation and vision loss.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Riboflavin drops are applied to the corneal surface, followed by UVA light irradiation, strengthening the collagen fibers in the cornea. This stiffens the cornea and slows disease progression.
In advanced cases, corneal transplantation—either lamellar or full-thickness—may be required.