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LASIK has a good track record treating common visual deficits. But is it a viable option for patients with keratoconus?
Most people who are diagnosed with keratoconus are primarily concerned with two things:
LASIK is a popular surgical procedure where the cornea is reshaped, leading to dramatic improvements in eyesight. Many people with previously impaired visual deficits now see perfectly thanks to LASIK.
Despite the efficacy of laser treatments for improving general visual acuity, they are not viable options for treating keratoconus. Understanding why this is so requires a look at the cause of visual impairment in this ocular disorder.
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye responsible for focusing light rays on the retina. Normal shaped eyes are spherical which enables the corneas to properly direct light on the retina. In many common visual deficits, curvatures in the eye misdirect these light rays.
With keratoconus, corneal alteration is more severe than the mere curvature found in most vision conditions. In this complication, the corneas gradually bulge outward into a conical shape, distorting light rays and causing vision impairment. With LASIK and similar interventions, the procedure would likely do more harm, by weakening an already damaged cornea.
Surgical interventions vary depending on the severity. Typically, early-onset complications can be treated with standard contact lenses and glasses. As the condition worsens, more advanced interventions may be considered.
Often the types of contact lenses that will be suitable changes as the condition advances. While soft-lenses may be suitable initially, as the cornea degenerates, gas permeable types and scleral lenses may become necessary.
Scleral contact lenses are considered the best gas permeable options today for keratoconus patients. For most patients they offer superior comfort and effectiveness. They are uniquely designed to rest on the sclera of the eye rather than the cornea.
In instances where the disorder has advanced, certain procedures may no longer be viable options. One example of this is collagen cross-linking, a surgical procedure which prevents the cornea from changing shape. However, if the corneal alteration has advanced to a certain point, the procedure may no longer be effective. This is why it is critical to schedule routine ocular exams. An optometrist can detect the early onset of ocular disorders and initiate treatment. Common interventions include:
While laser treatments successfully correct many visual deficits, they aren't suitable for keratoconus which involves weakened corneas. In such instances, the procedure will do more damage.
Although there is no cure for keratoconus, there are many excellent medical interventions to retain and improve vision. Speak with your optometrist to find out what medical options are available.
If you have not had a comprehensive eye exam, consider scheduling one. You can schedule an eye exam with our eye doctor by calling (212) 752-6930. They are essential for monitoring ocular health and detecting ocular disorders. Patients searching for advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over New York, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
At Amplify with Dr Wernick I was seeking help for seemingly intractable, probably age-related dryness. I've seen other doctors about it, and that has been helpful, but what he explained to me about it and the careful way he answered all my questions gave me so much more of a clear understanding of what is going on (and is not) that I am more able to implement all his and others' recommendations than I was before. And he gave me additional resources for further follow-up. I am most grateful.
Wow! This is a great Eye Care medical facility. I was thoroughly examined by Dr. Pinkhasov for over 2 hours. She made sure to check my eyes for pretty much everything and patiently explained proper care for my eyes. They definitely know how to provide great care and treat their patients right. Now I know why they have such a great reputation and been around for so long.
Dr. Kavner is a gifted diagnostician and orthoptic therapist. He treated me several decades ago for a condition similar to dyslexia. I was having migraines five times per week. I worked with him for about a year and I experienced tremendous improvement (down to 3-4 per year) that has lasted.
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
I have always found Dr Kavner's work, expertise and wisdom of the highest caliber. As one of the fathers of OT, occupational othomology, his depth and breadth of knowledge about the eyes' health and wellbeing of the patient is exemplary. Cannot say enough good things about him.
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