What are the latest treatments for keratoconus and astigmatism?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the latest treatments for keratoconus and astigmatism, focusing on personal experiences with diagnosis, treatment options, and the emotional impact of these conditions. Participants share insights on various approaches, including contact lenses and corneal transplants, while expressing concerns and hopes regarding their vision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experience

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions being diagnosed with astigmatism but later informed of keratoconus, expressing concern about the prognosis and the possibility of needing a cornea transplant.
  • Another participant shares a personal experience with cornea transplant surgery, noting improvements in vision and challenges faced with contact lens fitting due to the condition.
  • Some participants propose that contact lenses, particularly rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, are a common treatment option for keratoconus, especially in its early stages.
  • There is mention of a statistic suggesting that only 10-25% of keratoconus cases progress to the point of requiring surgery.
  • A later reply indicates that keratoconus may sometimes recede, as stated by a specialist during an examination.
  • Participants discuss the emotional aspects of dealing with vision issues and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
  • One participant inquires about experiences with corneal hydrops, indicating a lack of familiarity with the term among others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of experiences and opinions regarding treatment options, with some agreeing on the effectiveness of contact lenses while others highlight the potential need for surgery. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best long-term treatment strategies and the variability of individual cases.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, which may not encompass the full spectrum of medical advice or treatment efficacy. There are mentions of specific medical terms and procedures that may require further clarification.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing keratoconus or astigmatism, those seeking personal accounts of treatment options, and readers interested in the emotional and practical aspects of managing these eye conditions.

siddharth
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The eye clinic which initially diagnosed me with astigmatism a year back, now says I most probably have Keratoconus. The prognosis looks gloomy :frown:. The only long term treatment seems to be a cornea transplant.

I think the eye clinic should have diagnosed this earlier. I've fixed an appointment with a cornea specialist tomorrow to confirm it. I hope it's still in the early stage.

You never know how valuable vision is, until there's some trouble.
 
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Very sorry to hear that, Sid. W's nieces and nephew were all born with retinitis pigmentosa, so I have a pretty good idea of how you feel. On the bright side, cornea surgery is very common and successful these days. We're pulling for you. :smile:
 
siddharth said:
The only long term treatment seems to be a cornea transplant.

Did they already tell you that you are not a candidate for RGP lenses? Here is a good site that tells contact lens options for those with keratoconus:
http://www.bostonsight.org/keratoconus.htm"

I would be interested in what the cornea specialist has to say.
 
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Are they going to give you contact lenses to correct your vision? That seems to be the treatment unless it has progressed too far, it sounds like you should be in the early stages.

It seems only 10-25% of the cases become severe enough to consider surgery.

The specialist will probably prescribe contacts. Good luck and keep us informed!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratoconus
 
I was diagnosed with keratoconus nearly 20 yrs ago. I believe that I had the condition for some years before that. The first eye doctor to look, missed it altogether, it was not then and is still not a common condition. I had a cornea transplant about 8 years ago, and now have much better vision in that eye (my left). Evidently I have slight bit in my right eye that is being controlled with contacts.

My left cornea was unusual in the uniformity and steepness of the cone, which made it difficult to fit a contact. In those days it was a common occurrence for the contact to slip off of the cornea and since the curvatures on the side of my eye did not match the cornea it would attach itself like a suction cup to my eye. This was a major pain event. I lived with this as a daily event until I lost 3 contacts in a week. At that time I did not have health insurance and simply could not afford to replace the expensive contacts. I went 5 years with no correction in my left eye, essentially I was blind in that eye. Soon after getting a job which provided health insurance I had a cornea transplant. Live has been much better since.
 
Some good news! The specialist took a corneal topography and said that it's still at a very early stage. He did prescribe contacts. From monday, I'll be wearing rigid gas permeable lens.

Evo said:
Are they going to give you contact lenses to correct your vision? That seems to be the treatment unless it has progressed too far, it sounds like you should be in the early stages.

It seems only 10-25% of the cases become severe enough to consider surgery.

The specialist will probably prescribe contacts. Good luck and keep us informed!

Yep, that's what he said. He even said that in some cases, keratoconus may even recede.

He also removed an iron particle which was stuck in my left cornea. It must have come during the https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=96088" I did. It's scary when they stick a needle in your eye!

Integral, do you use a rgp lenses or scleral lenses? Also, did you experience corneal hydrops? That sounds scary.
 
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siddharth said:
Some good news! The specialist took a corneal topography and said that it's still at a very early stage. He did prescribe contacts. From monday, I'll be wearing rigid gas permeable lens.



Yep, that's what he said. He even said that in some cases, keratoconus may even recede.

He also removed an iron particle which was stuck in my left cornea. It must have come during the https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=96088" I did. It's scary when they stick a needle in your eye!

Integral, do you use a rgp lenses or scleral lenses? Also, did you experience corneal hydrops? That sounds scary.
Yes, I were rgp lenses in both eyes.

Hydrops? I am not familiar with the term, so I guess the answer is no. Several years ago I did have to fight off a rejection event. It took about 2yrs to get it back undercontrol. All is fine now.
 
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