Keratoconus operation

El keratoconus It is a pathology that causes a deformation of the cornea of ​​the eye. The progression of the disease causes the patient to lose strength and quality of vision, so it is essential to treat it on time.

Among the main treatments we find the keratoconus operation, which consists of a series of surgical techniques to regain vision and enjoy a better eye health.

Keratoconus operation

El keratoconus It is a pathology that causes a deformation of the cornea of ​​the eye. The progression of the disease causes the patient to lose strength and quality of vision, so it is essential to treat it on time.

Among the main treatments we find the keratoconus operation, which consists of a series of surgical techniques to regain vision and enjoy a better eye health.

What is keratoconus?

El keratoconus is a disease in which the cornea of ​​the eye becomes progressively deformed, adopting the cone shape. As this deformation progresses, astigmatism develops, causing lack of focus at all distances. 

It can occur in only one eye, but it is more common for it to be present in both, and in one to a greater extent than in the other. 

The severity of this condition depends on the age of the patient and progression of symptoms. Generally, the younger the patient and the earlier its onset, the greater and faster the progression of the disease will be.

Keratoconus symptoms

Although at first the keratoconus symptoms they are only visual, over time they can also affect the internal parts of the eye.

Among the most common symptoms we find:

  • Blurred or double vision myopia y astigmatism regular
  • Irritation mild or moderate in the eyes.
  • Photophobia, linear opacities, and striae at the apex of the central cornea.
  • In cases of acute keratoconus there is a rupture of the endothelium and Descemet's membrane. This causes pain and a significant opacity of the cornea, and is associated with inflammation of the anterior pole, reduced vision, blepharospasm and photophobia.
keratoconus operation

As we have indicated, the age of the patient influences the evolution of this condition. Adolescents notice a more rapid development of keratoconus symptoms, while in older people the progression of the disease is slower.

When to have keratoconus surgery?

La keratoconus surgery is a safe and effective option that allows us to approach this disease with increasing guarantees and, at present, we have different surgical options to address this disease. It is important to note that surgery is not always necessary to treat keratoconus since, in some cases, contact lenses are enough to maintain good vision.

Generally speaking, we will decide to operate on keratoconus when with contact lenses we do not obtain the expected results or the health of the cornea is compromised.

Keratoconus operation

To perform a keratoconus operation there are different surgical options Among which, it will be decided which is the most indicated based on the evolutionary state of the disease and the ocular health of each patient.

intacs

It is an operation in which we place some plastic corneal grafts under the surface of the eye, on the periphery of the cornea, causing it to change shape.

It is done when the patient does not have functional vision with contact lenses. If the disease progresses intacs can't stop their progression, but just buy time before performing a corneal transplant.

Intra-stromal or intracorneal rings or segments

Some patients cannot tolerate contact lenses, or cannot get enough visual acuity with them.

In these cases, the intrastromal or intracorneal rings or segments to regularize the curvature of the cornea and reduce irregular astigmatism.

The intrastromal rings are a transparent rigid plastic arc-shaped parts that are introduced in the thickness of the cornea that allow us to flatten the cornea and eliminate the effect of the cone.

Cornea transplant

When the disease is in a very advanced stage, a cornea transplant (keratoplasty).

Today there is the possibility of replace the affected layers of the cornea selectively, and preserve healthy tissue. Keep in mind that this option cannot always be applied.

The disadvantages of corneal transplantation are that recovery from the operation is slower than other keratoconus treatments.

The risks of this keratoconus operation are:

  • Possible eye infections.
  • Increased pressure in the eye or glaucoma.
  • Post-surgical astigmatism.
  • Rejection of the transplant.
  • Edema or epithelial defect of the transplanted cornea.

cross-linking

If the disease not yet in the final phase or more advanced, corneal cross-linking can be done. It is done by combining intracorneal rings and / or phakic lenses.

This is a non-invasive surgical procedure, which has been shown to be safe and completely effective. It is done on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient is discharged the same day as the operation.

Thanks to Cross-linking operation the collagen bonds of the cornea are strengthened, using riboflavin and ultraviolet light. This provides more biochemical stability and resistance to stop the progression of keratoconus.

Postoperative of keratoconus surgery

The postoperative period of the keratoconus operation it is not complicated if the surgeon's instructions are followed and, depending on the surgical technique used, the postoperative period may be one way or another.

Among the different surgical treatment options for keratoconus, the one that may require more attention from the patient is corneal transplantation.

After the corneal transplant, a personalized follow-up of the patient that lasts a few months. The recovery from this operation does not cause pain, but as in any other surgery, there are cases in which it is uncomfortable.

While the patient is on sick leave, it is essential that he precisely follow the instructions of his ophthalmologist regarding the drops to be applied, or the drugs that you should take by mouth.

Fortunately, the results of the keratoconus intervention are positive in the vast majority of cases.

Summary
How is the keratoconus operation? Discover all its types
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How is the keratoconus operation? Discover all its types
Description
We explain the keratoconus operation as well as the techniques that exist. Find out what the surgery is like and its risks.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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