Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye—gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape distorts light as it enters the eye, resulting in blurred and distorted vision. Daily activities such as reading, driving, or using digital devices can become difficult over time.

The exact cause of keratoconus remains unknown, but it may have a genetic component, as it often runs in families. About 1 in 10 people with keratoconus have a parent with the condition. It typically begins in the late teens or early 20s and can worsen over the next 10 to 20 years. Eye rubbing, which is harmful to thin corneal tissue, can also worsen the condition and should be avoided.
The symptoms of keratoconus often differ between both eyes and progress over time:
Early-Stage Symptoms:
- Mild blurring or distortion of vision
- Slight bending or waviness of straight lines
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Occasional redness or swelling of the eyes
Advanced-Stage Symptoms:
- More significant blurring and distortion of vision
- Increased nearsightedness or astigmatism, resulting in frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses due to improper fitting and discomfort.
- Corneal scarring, which leads to more severe visual distortion.
In some cases, keratoconus can progress rapidly, causing sudden corneal swelling, scarring, and further vision loss.
Keratoconus is typically diagnosed through a routine eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will examine the cornea and measure its curvature to detect any abnormal shapes. Corneal topography may be used to map the surface of the cornea in detail, providing a comprehensive image of its condition.
"At Mahajan Eye Centre, we use advanced diagnostic tools such as the Pentacam to detect early keratoconus and monitor its progression."

There are several treatment options available for keratoconus depending on the severity of the condition:
1. Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R)
Cross-linking helps to halt the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the corneal structure. This involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to the cornea and then activating them with UV light to create new collagen bonds within the corneal tissue. Accelerated cross-linking is a faster version of this procedure and is available at our centre.

2. Intacs
Intacs are small, curved devices surgically inserted into the cornea to help flatten its shape and improve vision. This option is suitable for patients who cannot be corrected with cross-linking alone and provides an alternative to corneal transplant.

3. Topography-Guided PRK (Athens Protocol)
For advanced cases of keratoconus, topography-guided PRK reshapes the surface of the cornea using a specialized laser based on detailed corneal maps. The Athens Protocol involves combining PRK with collagen cross-linking to halt further progression and enhance visual outcomes.
4. Corneal Transplantation
When keratoconus progresses to the point where other treatments are no longer effective, corneal transplantation may be necessary. This involves replacing part or all of the diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. Both penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty) are available at our centre.

For many patients with keratoconus, custom contact lenses provide significant visual improvement:
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses provide clear vision by maintaining their shape, compensating for the irregular corneal surface.
- Hybrid Lenses: Offering the clarity of RGP lenses and the comfort of soft lenses, hybrid lenses are ideal for patients who find RGP lenses uncomfortable.
- Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter lenses rest on the sclera (the white of the eye) and vault over the cornea, providing exceptional comfort and vision correction, especially for those with advanced keratoconus.

At Mahajan Eye Centre, we provide a complete range of services for the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus, including:
- Advanced diagnostic tools like the Pentacam and topography for accurate corneal mapping
- Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R), including the accelerated procedure, to halt the progression of keratoconus.
- Intacs and topography-guided PRK (Athens Protocol) to restore vision and improve corneal shape.
- Corneal transplantation options for advanced cases.
- Custom contact lens fitting for RGP, hybrid, and scleral lenses to provide optimal visual correction.
With the latest technology and a highly experienced team, we are dedicated to offering the best possible outcomes for patients with keratoconus.
Why Mahajan Eye Centre?
Expertise and Experience
Our experienced surgeons have been managing Keratoconus for decades with high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
Our investment in advanced diagnostic tools and latest technology enables us to pick up Keratoconus early.
Personalized Care
We customize every aspect of Keratoconus Disease, from diagnosis to selecting the procedure that best suits your conditions.
Comprehensive Post-Op Care
Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process and customised contact lens fitting in post operative period.
