Advanced Keratoconus Treatment Options in Vaishali: From Contact Lenses to Corneal Cross-Linking

What is Keratoconus?

• Progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape.
• Causes distorted vision, light sensitivity, frequent prescription changes, and difficulty driving at night.
• Typically develops in teens or early adulthood and stabilizes over years.
• Affects 1 in 500 to 1 in 2000 people, with genetic and population-specific factors involved.

Treatment Journey by Stage

Stage 1: Early Keratoconus (Mild)

• Slight corneal irregularity with minimal vision changes.
• Treated with glasses or standard soft contact lenses.
• Requires regular monitoring every 6-12 months using advanced corneal imaging.

Stage 2: Moderate Keratoconus (Progressing)

• Noticeable blurred vision and corneal thinning.
• Best managed with specialized contact lenses:
  • Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Vault over the cornea, providing better vision but need adaptation.
  • Scleral Lenses: Larger and more comfortable, ideal for advanced shapes, but more expensive.
  • Hybrid Lenses: Combine rigid center with soft skirt for comfort.

Stage 3: Advanced Keratoconus (Severe thinning or hydrops risk)

• Significant distortion and discomfort, possibly intolerant to lenses.
• Treated with:
  • Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): Minimally invasive procedure strengthening corneal collagen to halt progression, best performed early.
  • Intracorneal Ring Segments (Intacs): Plastic inserts that flatten cornea and improve shape and contact lens tolerance.
  • Combination of CXL and Intacs offers superior results.

Stage 4: End-Stage Keratoconus (Scarring or hydrops)

• Severe scarring, vision loss, and lens intolerance.
• Requires corneal transplant procedures:
  • Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK): Partial thickness transplant with faster recovery.
  • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP): Full-thickness corneal transplant for extensive damage.

Holistic Management Tips

• Avoid eye rubbing to prevent progression.
• Use UV protection to reduce corneal damage.
• Regular monitoring with corneal imaging.
• Genetic counseling if family history exists.
• Control allergies aggressively to minimize irritation.

Cost Overview in Vaishali

• RGP lenses: ₹5,000-₹10,000 per lens
• Scleral lenses: ₹15,000-₹25,000 per lens
• CXL: ₹30,000-₹50,000 per eye
• Intacs: ₹60,000-₹1,00,000 per eye
• Corneal transplant: ₹50,000-₹1,00,000 per eye
• Insurance may cover some treatments including CXL and transplant.

FAQs

• Keratoconus is not curable but manageable.
• CXL is painless with mild postoperative discomfort.
• Intacs are permanent but removable.
• LASIK contraindicated in keratoconus.
• Early CXL can reduce need for transplant.
• Keratoconus typically does not recur in donor cornea post-transplant.

Why Choose Drishti Eye & ENT Care?

• Specialized corneal experts.
• Full spectrum of treatments from lenses to surgery.
• Advanced diagnostics including corneal topography and OCT.
• Personalized care plans based on disease stage.
• Trusted name in Delhi NCR with patient education and long-term monitoring.