Corneal Diseases

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive disorder in which the normally round cornea gradually becomes thin and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, causing distorted and blurred vision.

The condition usually begins during the teenage years or early adulthood and may progress over time if left untreated.

Common Symptoms of Keratoconus

You may be suffering from Keratoconus if you experience:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Frequent changes in spectacle number
• Increasing cylindrical power (astigmatism)
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night
• Glare and halos around lights
• Double or ghost images
• Eye strain and headaches
• Increased sensitivity to bright light

If these symptoms persist despite wearing glasses, a detailed corneal evaluation is recommended.

What Causes Keratoconus?

The exact cause is not always known, but several factors may increase the risk:

• Family history of Keratoconus
• Habitual eye rubbing
• Chronic eye allergies
• Connective tissue disorders
• Weakness of corneal collagen

Early diagnosis is important because treatment is most effective before significant progression occurs.

How is Keratoconus Diagnosed?

At Pristine Eye Clinic, a comprehensive eye examination is performed to accurately diagnose Keratoconus and determine its stage.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Corneal Topography
• OCT Scan of the Cornea
• Corneal Thickness Measurement (Pachymetry)
• Refraction Assessment
• Slit Lamp Examination

These advanced investigations help detect even early stages of the disease and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Keratoconus Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and progression of the condition.

Spectacles

In very early stages, glasses may provide satisfactory vision correction.

Specialty Contact Lenses

As the cornea becomes more irregular, specially designed lenses such as Rose K lenses may provide sharper and more comfortable vision.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R)

C3R is one of the most effective treatments for preventing further progression of Keratoconus. The procedure strengthens the corneal collagen fibres using riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light, helping stabilize the cornea before vision deteriorates further.

Corneal Transplant

In advanced Keratoconus where significant scarring or thinning has occurred and other treatments are no longer effective, a corneal transplant may be recommended to restore vision.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring Keratoconus may lead to:

• Progressive vision loss
• Increasing dependence on stronger glasses
• Corneal scarring
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Need for more complex surgery in advanced stages

Early diagnosis often allows treatment before permanent damage develops.

Why Choose Dr. Yogesh Bhadange for Keratoconus Treatment?

Dr. Yogesh Bhadange is a fellowship-trained Cornea Specialist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating simple to complex corneal disorders.

His expertise includes:

• Advanced Corneal Disease Management
• Keratoconus Evaluation
• Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R)
• Rose K Contact Lens Management
• Lamellar & Full Thickness Corneal Transplant Surgery
• Laser Vision Correction
• Complicated Cataract Surgery

His advanced fellowship training at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute and Price Vision Group (USA), combined with publications in leading international ophthalmology journals, enables him to provide evidence-based care using the latest treatment approaches.