Additional content available at www.Livingwithkeratoconus.com/what-is-keratoconus/
Keratoconus, often referred to as ‘KC’, is a progressive eye condition in which the typically round dome-shaped cornea weakens and thins over time, causing the development of a cone-like bulge and optical irregularity of the cornea. In essence, the cornea transforms from a round basketball shape to an abnormal football shape. Progressive keratoconus can result in significant visual loss and may lead to corneal transplant in severe cases.
A rare condition, keratoconus typically first appears in individuals who are in their late teens or early twenties, but it can present later in life as well. The condition progressively worsens over time with decreased vision and increased astigmatism. Keratoconus is found in both genders and all ethnic groups. While the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, it is believed that genetics, the environment, and the endocrine system all play a role. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing keratoconus from progressing.
In the early stages of keratoconus, people might experience slight blurring of vision, distortion of vision, development of astigmatism and increased sensitivity to light.
The cornea is responsible for focusing most of the light that comes into the eye. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea, such as keratoconus, can have a major impact on how an individual sees the world, making simple tasks such as driving a car or reading a book very difficult.1
Treatments for keratoconus focus on correcting the distorted vision caused by the thinning and bulging of the cornea. While mild and early cases of keratoconus can be managed with glasses, most people need specialized contact lenses to obtain normal vision. These contacts can include rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, or scleral contact lenses. Intracorneal ring segments (INTACS) may also be used to reduce or eliminate myopia and astigmatism in patients with keratoconus. These are thin plastic, semi-circular rings, which are surgically inserted under the surface of the cornea.
The above options are focused on vision rehabilitation or symptomatic treatment. iLink® FDA-approved corneal cross-linking is a procedure that intervenes to slow or halt disease progression. iLink is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that combines the use of ultra-violet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops. Photrexa® Viscous (riboflavin 5’-phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution), Photrexa® (riboflavin 5’-phosphate ophthalmic solution) and the KXL® system are the first and only therapeutic products for corneal cross-linking which have been FDA approved to treat progressive keratoconus.
For a patient whose cornea has become dangerously thin or when sufficient vision can no longer be achieved with contact lenses due to steepening of the cornea, scarring or contact lens intolerance, a partial or full corneal transplant may be the only option.
You can find more information from the National Keratoconus Foundation at www.NKCF.org.
Additional content available at www.Livingwithkeratoconus.com/what-is-cross-linking/
Cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. iLink FDA approved epi-off cross-linking combines the use of prescription eye drops, Photrexa® Viscous, Photrexa®, and ultra-violet A (UVA) light from the KXL® system to create new collagen cross-links and leads to the stiffening of the cornea. The goal of the procedure is to slow or prevent further progression of the condition and preserve vision.
The medical necessity of FDA-approved iLink™ corneal cross-linking has become widely recognized. As a result, the procedure is covered by over 95% of commercial insurance providers. For additional information on insurance coverage and to view the latest list of insurers that are known to have policies that cover cross-linking, visit the Insurance Information page on LivingwithKeratoconus.com.
Patients over the age of 12 who have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia following refractive surgery should ask their doctor about corneal cross-linking.
Our practice is proud to offer patients the first and only therapeutic products for corneal cross-linking which have been FDA approved to treat progressive keratoconus. This approval offers an effective treatment for patients who, until recently, had no therapeutic options to limit the progression of this sight-threatening disease.
References: 1. National Keratoconus Foundation
