Keratoconus Philippines

I had a patient referred to me for contact lens fitting.  This 20 year old patient was just diagnosed with keratoconus.  His parents came with him.  They waited for me to see them.  After doing a thorough check, I pointed to the parents the scar that formed on the patient's cornea.  The parents were very sorry that they had not noticed it.  I fitted the patient with scleral contact lenses.  After which I taught him the insertion and removal technique.  As I do the training myself, we had to block off my schedule to prioritise this case.  It took us more than a visit for him to be able to insert the lenses as his lids kept on closing.  The parents were very supportive and stayed with us throughout this ordeal.  For most families in the Philippines, optometrist visits are a family event.  Family support is truly an important part of a successful contact lens wear, as no one can motivate more than patient's o...

Keratoconus is a condition wherein the front transparent portion of the eye (cornea) thins down and become cone shaped.  Until now, reasons why this disease came along is unknown; but somehow keratoconus is usually always associated with history of eye rubbing and allergies.  Genetics also play a role in the pathogenesis.  Family history of consanguinity marriage is also being looked at as one of the possible associations.  Patients with keratoconus may notice the need to change their eyeglasses every now and then, not being satisfied with the attained vision with their eyeglasses.  This disease may or may not lead to corneal transplant, it all depends on what age keratoconus has manifested or was diagnosed.  In the beginning, soft toric contact lenses are sufficient, but eventually needing to proceed to the use of specialty rgp contact lenses, Kerfasoft IC, scleral contact lenses.  These management options are all available in the Philippines. ...