G R HardwickOptometrists
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Keratoconus and other Corneal Ectasias

Picture
Keratoconus is a degenerative condition of the cornea that causes it to thin and become misshapen forming a cone like shape (see image above), hence the name.

Keratoconus is part of a group of conditions called ectasias and is by far the most common form. It is generally diagnosed in the early to late teens and can progress until roughly 30 years of age. The presenting symptoms are blurred vision that cannot be effectively corrected with spectacles. Contact lenses are the mainstay of treatment as they offer much improved levels of vision when compared to anything else. These lenses are often bespoke, specially made, and more often than not are of the rigid variety.

Although there is no cure for Keratoconus, recent innovations have mean't that it is possibly to curb the progression of the disease with a procedure called collagen cross linking. This is where UV light and a vitamin known as Riboflavin are used to harden the corneal tissue thus preventing the warp in shape and protecting the vision.

In worse case scenario's a corneal graft procedure is needed to improve the vision, however, this is becoming less and less of a necessity with the advent of collagen cross linking and newer designs of contact lenses.

For more detailed information on this and other corneal conditions please visit our sister site "Keratoconus Lens Fitting" by clicking the image opposite.

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Some of the Specialist lenses used to correct Keratoconus

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More information about Keratoconus
If you are at all concerned please contact the practice so that one of our Optometrists can advise you of the best course of action. See the section on Emergency Eyecare for more information on how we can help.
G R Hardwick (Optometrist) |16 Rossall Road | Cleveleys | FY5 1AP | TEL: 01253 853030
  • Home
    • Optometrists
    • Opticians
    • Support Staff
  • Services
    • Professional Eyecare
    • VisionCare Scheme
    • OCT Retinal Scans
    • Childrens Eyecare
    • Emergency Eyecare
    • Onsite Workshop
    • Low Visual Needs
    • Post-Operative Care
    • Common Eye Conditions >
      • AMD
      • Blepharitis
      • Cataract
      • Conjunctivitis
      • Contact Lens Related Red Eye
      • Dry Eye
      • Flashes & Floaters
      • Glaucoma
      • Keratoconus
      • Naevi
      • Pinguecula & Pterygium
      • Refraction
      • Sub-Conjunctival Haemorrhage
    • NHS Entitlements
  • Contact Lenses
    • Soft Lenses >
      • Daily Disposables
      • Monthly Replacement
      • Lenses for Astigmatism
      • Lenses for Presbyopia
      • Coloured Lenses
    • EyeDream - Orthokeratology
    • Care & Handling Advice
    • Order CL's Online
  • Eyewear
    • Lenses >
      • Lens Design
      • B.I.G. Vision
      • Progressive Lenses
      • Rodenstock Road
      • Near Vision Lenses
      • Photochromic Lenses
      • Coatings & Tints
      • Lens Materials
    • MYOPIA CONTROL
    • Frames >
      • Luxury Eyewear
      • Sustainable Eyewear
    • Kids Eyewear
    • Sunglasses >
      • Serengeti
      • Evil Eye
      • Bolle
      • Rodenstock SunProtect
    • Sports Eyewear
  • Contact Us
    • Make an Appointment
    • Order CL's Online
    • Promotions
    • Policy Documents
    • LVA SCHEME
  • Store