Keratoconus
What is Keratoconus?
a progressive eye condition in which the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye) gradually thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape.
Keratoconus most commonly develops during the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress at varying rates; in some people it stabilises, while in others it continues to advance over many years.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetic factors and eye rubbing are thought to play a role.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of keratoconus often develop gradually, which can make them easy to overlook in the early stages. You may notice increasing blurring or distortion of your vision, difficulty seeing clearly even with glasses, and greater sensitivity to light and glare, particularly at night. Some people experience frequent changes to their glasses or contact lens prescription, or find that their spectacles no longer provide satisfactory vision.
As the condition progresses, you may see ghosting or multiple images, and contact lenses may become uncomfortable or difficult to fit. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a specialist assessment promptly.
What are the Keratoconus treatment options?
Treatment depends on the stage and rate of progression of your keratoconus. In the early stages, glasses or standard contact lenses may correct your vision adequately.
As the cornea becomes more irregular, rigid gas-permeable lenses or specialist scleral lenses are often prescribed, as these vault over the cornea and provide a smoother optical surface. If keratoconus is still progressing, corneal cross-linking may be recommended to slow or halt further change. For more advanced cases where lenses are no longer sufficient, surgical options such as corneal transplantation can be considered to restore clearer vision.
What are the risks for transplantation/Corneal cross-linking?
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthetic drops. The surface of the cornea is gently prepared, and riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied over a period of around 30 minutes. Ultraviolet A light is then directed at the cornea for a similar duration.
This process strengthens the collagen fibres within the cornea, helping it to maintain its shape and preventing further bulging. For surgical options such as corneal transplantation, the procedure is more involved and carried out under local or general anaesthetic; your surgeon will explain the full process in detail at your consultation.
Cross-linking is a well-established and generally safe procedure. Possible side effects include temporary discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision in the days following treatment, as well as a small risk of infection or corneal haze, which usually resolves over time.
It is worth noting that cross-linking is intended to slow progression rather than improve vision, so you may still require specialist lenses or further treatment afterwards. For more advanced surgical treatments such as corneal transplantation, additional risks apply, including rejection of donor tissue and a longer recovery period. Your clinical team will discuss all risks with you in full before any procedure.
What can I expect following treatment?
Following cross-linking, your eye will likely feel sore and sensitive to light for several days. You will be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops and advised to avoid rubbing your eyes. A temporary contact lens may be placed on the eye to protect it while the surface heals, which usually takes around one to two weeks.
Vision may initially seem worse before it gradually stabilises, and it can take several months to appreciate the full effect of treatment. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor your cornea’s response and ensure the condition is stable.
Our Treatments and Price List
| New patient consultation | £250-£280 |
| Follow up appointment | £175-£220 |
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If you would like to discuss Ophthalmology treatments, please get in touch with a member of our team
