Keratoconus
- Home
- Keratoconus
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the clear, front part of your eye (the Cornea) thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This distortion scatters light as it enters the eye, leading to increasingly blurred and distorted vision that standard glasses often can’t correct.
Typically diagnosed in teenagers and young adults, the condition evolves over several years, often progressing more rapidly in younger patients. While the exact cause isn’t always known, it’s linked to genetic factors and excessive eye rubbing. Early diagnosis through advanced corneal imaging is vital, as modern treatments can effectively slow its progression and preserve sight.
Shivyaa Hospital is committed to delivering advanced, high-quality, and personalised care for Keratoconus patients based on their stage.
Recognising Keratoconus: Key Signs & Symptoms
Early detection of Keratoconus is crucial for effective management. Be aware of these progressive visual changes:
- Vision Distortion: Straight lines appear wavy or bent, and objects look misshapen.
- Blurred & Double Vision: Progressive blurriness that isn't fully corrected with glasses, often with ghosting or double images.
- Light Sensitivity & Halos: Increased discomfort in bright light, with glaring halos around light sources at night.
- Frequent Prescription Changes: Needing new eyeglass prescriptions at every check-up is a major red flag.
Dr. Yatri Pandya Bhavsar
MS Ophthalmology, FCORS
Specialist in Cornea Transplant, Ocular Surface, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeries, performed with advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment.
Professional Experience
Dr. Nagpal’s Retina Foundation (Shahibaug)
- Cornea Consultant (Morning) — 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Shivyaa Superspecialty Hospital (Gota)
- Cornea Consultant (Evening) — 02:30 pm to 06:30 pm
Dr. Nagpal’s Centre for Cornea, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad
- Ex - Associate Cornea Consultant
GMERS Medical College & Sola Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Ex - Senior Resident
Stages of Keratoconus & Their Clinical Management
Early Keratoconus
At this initial stage, Corneal Steepening is minimal with little to no scarring. Vision is often still correctable with glasses or soft contact lenses. The primary goal is stabilization, typically through a procedure called Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) to halt progression.
Moderate Keratoconus
Characterized by increased Corneal Steepening and possible scarring, this stage often requires specialized contact lenses like rigid gas permeable (RGP) Rose K, Scleral Lenses lenses for clear vision. Corneal cross-linking remains a critical intervention to prevent further advancement.
Advanced Keratoconus
Substantial Corneal thinning, bulging, and scarring define this stage. Vision correction becomes more challenging, often requiring complex contact lens designs. Surgical options, including intrastromal corneal ring segments, may be considered to improve vision and contact lens tolerance.
Severe Keratoconus
With a very thin, bulging Cornea and extensive scarring, a Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty) may be the only viable option to restore vision. Both full-thickness and partial-thickness transplant techniques are considered based on individual patient factors.
Potential Complications of Keratoconus
Diagnosis & Treatment at Shivyaa Hospital
Our Diagnostic Process
We precisely map your corneal health using advanced imaging technology and clinical expertise for accurate keratoconus management and personalized treatment planning.
- Corneal Topography & Tomography: Advanced imaging creates detailed 3D corneal maps, revealing early signs of steepening and thinning characteristic of keratoconus progression.
- Comprehensive Vision Assessment: We evaluate glare sensitivity, contrast vision, and prescription stability beyond standard charts to understand your daily visual challenges.
- Specialized Contact Lens Fitting: We precisely fit rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses to create a smooth optical surface for clearer vision.
Our Targeted Treatment Philosophy
We tailor treatment to your condition's stage and progression rate, focusing on both vision correction and disease stabilization.
- Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): This minimally invasive procedure strengthens corneal collagen fibers using UV light and riboflavin to stop keratoconus progression.
- Advanced Vision Correction: We specialize in custom contact lenses and intracorneal ring segments to improve vision by reshaping the corneal surface.
- Surgical Excellence: Our surgeons perform advanced partial-thickness corneal transplants for severe cases, ensuring faster recovery and better visual outcomes.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Problems
Immediately consult ophthalmology specialists in case of the following warning signs because it could be indicative of a severe eye condition that has to be addressed immediately:
01
Severe Pain
Persistent or severe eye pain, not relieved by rest or over-the-counter eye drops.
02
Vision Loss
Partial or complete sudden vision loss may indicate retinal, optic nerve, or vascular emergencies.
03
Redness & Swelling
Bright redness, swelling, or pus-like discharge may signal serious infection or inflammatory eye condition.
04
Eye Trauma
New flashes, floaters, or blind spots in vision may indicate retinal detachment or serious damage.
05
Flashes & Floaters
Sudden double vision, numbness, or weakness may suggest neurological, muscular, or vascular eye-related issues.
Why Choose Shivyaa Hospital for Expert Care?
Advanced Diagnostic Technologies
State-of-the-art imaging and interactive diagnostic equipment allow accurate assessment of eyes, bones, joints, or muscles. Precise diagnosis ensures effective treatment and accelerates recovery.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Individualized care plans are designed based on each patient’s symptoms and root causes. This guarantees optimal treatment for eye conditions, fractures, arthritis, or joint injuries.
24/7 Emergency Services
Round-the-clock emergency care provides immediate attention for acute eye diseases, trauma, fractures, or joint injuries, preventing complications and promoting faster recovery.
Expertise in Patient Care
Skilled specialists enhance treatment success rates for complex eye or orthopedic conditions, ensuring quicker recovery, improved function, and long-term health.