Keratoconus
Early detection and comprehensive management of progressive corneal thinning.
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General description
Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea thins and adopts an irregular conical shape, causing irregular astigmatism and vision loss. We have the Sirius Plus high-technology system to detect it with high-precision corneal tomography at early stages and define the most appropriate treatment for each case.
What does treatment involve?
Your case is evaluated by our corneal specialist, who determines the most appropriate treatment based on the stage and progression of your keratoconus. Options include:
Scleral contact lenses
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter rigid contact lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) without touching the irregular cornea, creating a uniform optical surface over a layer of tears. They're an excellent option to improve vision in mild to moderate keratoconus without surgery, and are usually better tolerated than conventional contact lenses.
Corneal crosslinking
Crosslinking strengthens the cornea's collagen fibers using riboflavin and controlled ultraviolet light, halting keratoconus progression when detected early. Learn more about this procedure.
Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS)
Intrastromal ring segments are small segments implanted within the thickness of the cornea to flatten and regularize its shape, improving vision and, in many cases, contact lens tolerance. It's an outpatient, reversible procedure, since the rings can be removed or adjusted if needed.
CAIRS (corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments)
CAIRS is a newer alternative to synthetic rings: instead of an artificial material, segments of donor corneal tissue are implanted within the cornea, with the same goal of flattening and regularizing its shape. Because it's biological tissue, it integrates naturally and is an interesting option for thinner corneas that aren't candidates for conventional rings.
Toric ICL
When keratoconus is stable and the patient has high myopia and/or astigmatism that can't be comfortably corrected with glasses, a toric ICL —a phakic intraocular lens with astigmatism correction— can be implanted to significantly improve vision without touching the cornea. It's a reversible procedure, since the lens can be removed or replaced if needed.
In very advanced cases where none of these options are enough, corneal transplant remains a safe, effective alternative. Learn more about corneal transplant.
Care during treatment
Care depends on the treatment chosen for your case: scleral lenses and toric ICL don't require rest; crosslinking, intrastromal rings, CAIRS, and transplant are surgical procedures with corresponding post-surgical care (relative rest, antibiotic drops, and lubricant), and we include, at no cost, the post-surgical kit with starter treatment drops.
Follow-up
Keratoconus follow-up is ongoing, since it's a progressive condition; that's why the same corneal specialist who evaluated your case always follows up, with periodic tomography scans to confirm the cornea remains stable. We include one month of follow-up consultations at no cost after any procedure.
Other treatments
LASIK
Laser refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
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