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KERATOCONUS

Corneal Protrusion

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a corneal ecstasia that leads to progressive stromal thinning and corneal surface distortion. As a result, the eyeball takes a conic irregular shape which modifies the entry of light to the eye creating distorted vision.

Symptoms

Patients affected by initial keratoconus have slightly blurry vision. Initial symptoms are similar to those of ordinary refractive errors. Vision deteriorates as the condition advances. This phase may develop quickly. Visual acuity decreases, optical correction is often inefficient and night vision is usually poor.

TREATMENT
OF KERATOCONUS

After an accurate examination and depending on the progress of keratoconus the following treatments may be recommended:

Contact lenses

In the initial/moderate phases of keratoconus vision problems can be corrected and the advance of the disease can be contained with contact lenses specially designed for this condition.

Corneal cross-linking

The advance of keratoconus can be contained with the application of riboflavine and ultraviolet light on the cornea which hardens it and prevent its bulging. Cross-linking does not correct vision errors but can stop progressive keratoconus.

Intrastromal ring segments

This method involves inserting in the cornea one or two semicircular segments (through manual or femtosecond laser surgery) to stretch the cornea, correct vision errors and stop the advance of keratoconus.

Keratoplasty (Corneal transplantation)

Keratoplasty is the ultimate alternative and is only performed when damages caused by keratoconus are irreversible and cannot be corrected with other procedures.

Risks associated with keratoconus

If keratoconus is left untreated it may have serious consequences which include:

1

EXTREME CORNEAL THINNING

This implies increased corneal fragility and even risk of corneal perforation.
2

IRREGULAR CORNEAL CURVATURE

This situation causes a dispersion of light rays that prevents images from reflecting clearly on the retina.
3

EYE DRYNESS

Corneal irregularity affects the correct distribution of tears on the eye surface.

ADVANCED
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

The expertise of our medical team combined with the use of state- of-the-art technology guarantee the best results for our patients.

ABOUT US

“During visits I always enjoyed professional courtesy and accessibility to doctors who spoke a language patients can clearly understand. We are long- time patients of Clínica Rahhal: Even my daughter who lives abroad comes to check her eyes here”

Rodrigo Catala. 

“Not long ago Dr. Alonso performed laser surgery on me to correct keratoconus and I really can’t be more satisfied. Doctors took care of me all the time and I didn’t have to wait too long for surgery”

Javier Somoza.

“I have been visiting this clinic for a while now and I’m very satisfied with them. The staff are very friendly and professional. Excellent facility. ¡I recommend you Clínica Rahhal!”

Esther Herranz.

WE FINANCE YOUR TREATMENT

SO THAT LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF WILL NOT COME AT AN EXCESSIVE COST

At CLÍNICA RAHHAL we want treatment to be affordable for our patients.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Select any of the following FAQs from our patients and check the answers. If your doubts are not solved please use the contact form below to get in touch with us.

Do I have more possibilities of suffering from keratoconus if I have a family history?

Definitely, although genetic trends are not the only determinant factor, they do have an influence on the probability of being affected by keratoconus. However, this is a multifactorial pathology in which means multiple causes may combine.

Should I see a doctor If I have a family history?

Yes. Initial symptoms are very mild and may go unnoticed to patients. Yearly examinations allow early diagnosis and treatment and also avoid the risk of complications associated to keratoconus.

Can keratoconus be associated with a prescription error?

Given the significant corneal deformation patients affected by keratoconus generally associate significant astigmatism. Astigmatism is of the alarm warnings for this disease.

Can I get keratoconus from rubbing my eyes?

Yes. In patients with predisposition strong eye rubbing may affect the corneal structure and lead to corneal deformation.

Do all patients need corneal transplantation?

Corneal transplantation is the last option in severe cases. Transplantation is frequently associated with keratoconus because it was the only possible treatment for it. Current technology makes it possible to detect the disease in its early stages and consider more moderate forms of treatments as corneal cross-linking or intrastromal rings segments.

Are these treatments definitive?

Keratoconus is a progressive pathology and does not develop in the same way in all patients. Containing the advance of disease will depend on the moment of detection and might require combined treatments.

Are there specific contact lenses for keratoconus?

Yes. Since keratoconus causes strong refractive errors (high and irregular astigmatism) regular eyeglasses and contact lenses often do not provide adequate visual quality. Our clinic has a special service of customised
contact lenses to improve the quality of life of our patients.

First visit

Leave your contact info and we’ll get back to you. You will receive a confirmation email and within a few hours we’ll call you to schedule an appointment.

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