Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory disorder that is characterized by thinning and cone-like bulging (steepening) of the cornea. In its earliest stages, keratoconus causes slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to glare and light due to irregular astigmatism. Symptoms usually first appear in the late teens and early twenties. Keratoconus may progress for 10-20 years and then slow down its progression. It can ultimately result in a dramatic decrease in the ability to see clearly with glasses. Rigid contact lenses are the primary method of treatment for mild cases. Advanced cases, characterized by severe steepening of the cornea and/or corneal scarring, are treated with corneal transplantation. A relatively new technology called INTACS may offer a less invasive option for the treatment of moderate to advanced keratoconus, but they have limitations. First they do not affect the bio chemical substance of the cornea and there is a limit to how much refractive error they can correct.The last 3 years a new non invasive therapy has given promising results in the treatment of keratoconus by stabilizing the structure of the cornea and therefore slowing down; even stop the progression of the thinning and the deformation of the cornea as well as the loss of visual acuity. During the treatment we apply a one-time-only topical dose of riboflavin – vitamin B, drops to the cornea and expose the cornea to a low amount of ultraviolet light . The activated riboflavin enhances corneal strength and integrity by increasing collagen Cross-linking. Cross-linking treatments provide real hope for keratoconic patients.
