Let’s Talk Keratoconus: There Are More Treatments Than You May Think

With keratoconus, your corneas start bulging into a cone shape, which can blur and warp your vision. At Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our board‑certified surgeons and experienced eye care professionals combine expertise with friendly, personalized attention for Reading, PA, patients. 

From the moment you walk in, we’ll guide you through keratoconus diagnosis, explain the treatment options, and closely track your progress as your vision improves.

In this blog, our team discusses keratoconus treatments. You might be surprised at how many options you have!

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are often the first step in improving vision for keratoconus patients. While soft contact lenses bend to the shape of your eye, RGP lenses retain their shape on the eye’s surface. This helps stop keratoconus bulging and can improve blurry or distorted vision.

Many patients need scleral RGP lenses, which are larger than most contacts and cover the whole cornea.

Piggybacking Lenses 

Some people find traditional RGP lenses uncomfortable, especially when the cornea is very steep or sensitive. “Piggybacking” lenses may help. First, a soft lens is placed directly on the eye; then, the RGP lens goes above it.

The soft lens provides the shield of comfort you need to wear vision-sharpening RCP lenses successfully.

Hybrid Lenses 

Hybrid lenses are another way to get the best of both worlds: Comfort with RGP lens clarity. These premium contacts feature an RGP center with a soft outer ring that helps them feel more natural. 

Intacs: A Minimally Invasive Surgical Option

Keratoconus typically progresses gradually until around age 40. As it worsens, contact lenses may become less effective. That’s where Intacs can come in. These small, curved plastic inserts are placed just under the cornea’s surface. 

They help flatten the bulging area and reshape the cornea to improve vision. The procedure is outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day. Intacs don’t replace the need for glasses or contacts, but they often make it easier to wear them again.

Corneal Crosslinking: A Stabilizing Procedure

Though not usually the first step in keratoconus treatment, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) might be recommended to help slow or stop the condition from getting worse. 

This in-office procedure uses vitamin B2 eye drops and ultraviolet (UV-A) light to strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea. It may help preserve the cornea’s shape and may prevent further bulging. While CXL does not restore lost vision, it can protect against future changes.

Corneal Transplant Surgery

For people with severe keratoconus who can’t get clear vision, even with specialty lenses or minor procedures, a corneal transplant may be necessary. 

The preferred method is called Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), which replaces the cornea’s outer layers while keeping the healthy inner layers intact. If DALK isn’t an option, a full-thickness transplant, known as penetrating keratoplasty, may be done. 

Keratoconus support in Wyomissing, PA

Call Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons at 610-372‑0712 to schedule an appointment and learn more about your keratoconus treatment options today.