Keratoconus Philippines

Keratoconus typically starts at puberty and progresses until the third or fourth decade of life. At initial diagnosis, younger patients with the steepest corneal curvature (Kmax) of over 55 D have a significantly greater risk of progression. Keratoconus seen at this age is more aggressive, leading to more severe cases. Without any management, the corneal curvature becomes more conical in shape, which can cause worsening of vision, thinning and scarring of the cornea, and possible development of hydrops. However, it tends to stabilize after 20 years from the first diagnosis.  To detect keratoconus progression, some corneal parameters need to be evaluated.  WHAT THE EYE DOCTOR IS LOOKING FOR? -Increase maximum corneal refractive power (Kmax) by more than 1 Diopter within one year.  -An increase in (corneal) myopia by more than 3 Diopter or astigmatism by more than 1.5 Diopter within one year. -An average corneal refractive power increase by more than 1.5 Diopter within one year. -A reduc

Scleral lenses are fitted to patients with complicated prescriptions and irregular corneas. A common question I encountered is "Doc, is it safe to drink alcoholic beverages while I am wearing my scleral lenses?" . Looking into the different papers on the effects of alcoholic beverages on the eye, alcohol, similar to coffee and smoking, can induce some ocular dryness.  Studies noted the presence of ethanol in tears of patients within 6 to 12 hours after drinking alcoholic beverages. The presence of ethanol in tears may cause increased evaporation rate, increased corneal staining, and decreased tear volume, leading to dry eyes.  Unlike in soft contact lenses, the material of scleral lenses does not undergo dehydration. However, scleral lens wearers may still feel some symptoms of dryness.    It is essential, though, to be sure to be still able to remove your lenses when you get home, clean and store them properly. We have one patient who was too drunk

It is often disheartening to learn that one has keratoconus.  But somehow, it gives a sort of relief as the vision issues being experienced before while growing up has a name and can now be managed appropriately. According to the American Optometric Association, keratoconus is a condition that occurs when the normally round cornea (outer, transparent part of the eye) becomes thin and cone-shaped.  This irregularity prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina which then causes distortion and blurring of vision.   Growing up, parents would notice that there was a need to change the prescription of their child more frequently.  It seemed that the prescription was always taken incorrectly, and your child’s astigmatism and nearsightedness got higher with each vision examination. Then eventually, the prescription was not enough to provide the patient with the usual coveted 20/20 perfect vision with their glasses or conventional contact lenses.  And it

Scarring on the cornea  Does a scar on the cornea in a keratoconus patient mean it is time for corneal transplant?    Keratoconus we know can cause deterioration of vision due to the high nearsightedness and astigmatism brought about by the irregular corneal surface.  You can imagine a road with a hilly peak. When keratoconus progresses, that peak can have scarring which makes the vision turn worse. Oftentimes patients would just see shapes and shadows and have difficulty recognizing images. At this time, it seems discouraging, but before jumping into the decision of a definite corneal transplant, why not try to have contact lenses fitted?  In a more advanced condition, the contact lens of choice will be scleral lenses.  Unlike small gas permeable lens which can pop out and be unstable in advanced cases, scleral lens vaults the entire cornea and so is stable and comfortable on eye.  Scleral lenses make the cornea artificially smooth, allowing better quality of light r

Many people freeze when they get their eye doctors's diagnosis that they have KERATOCONUS.   A lot would go into the denial stage, but the weak-hearted ones go into depression.  Keratoconus is a progressive condition that makes the front transparent surface (cornea) of the eye thinner.  It is a disease correct, but it can be managed; and it is better to act early and not bury yourself under your sheets for a very long time.   Corneal Map w/ cone located inferiorly Chances are if you are already diagnosed to have keratoconus, you may already have a corneal map.  This map will show where the cone of your eye is and help corneal specialists and optometrists know what is the best possible management that they can recommend to you.  A detailed slitlamp examination will also reveal if you have scarring on the eye.  The size of the scar, depth and position of the scar will also help determine if you will be able to still achieve good vision with contact lenses or not.