Taking the static out of the disease
Keratoconus, which is sometimes called KC is a non-inflammatory eye condition. It typically causes the round dome-shaped cornea to thin and become weak. This then causes the development of a cone-like bulge. People who have this condition often say they can see a “static” in their vision which can cause serious visual impairment.
Corneal Cross-Linking
The best-known treatment for Keratoconus is available at The Eye Center, a Columbia SC Eye Clinic, which is iLink corneal cross-linking. This procedure is minimally invasive and is an outpatient procedure that uses ultraviolet light and a specific kind of formulated eye drops to strengthen and cause the corneas to stiffen that have been affected by this disease or refractive surgery. This procedure is considered the standard in the care of Keratoconus worldwide.
- Thickening and shortening of collagen fibrils
- Stiffening of the corneas
- Creating a new corneal collagen cross-links
The Use of Riboflavin
iLink corneal cross-linking consists of the use of formulated pharmaceutical-strength riboflavin drops. These drops are called Photrexa and Photrexa Viscous, which help modify the cross-linking reactions.
The Use of Ultraviolet Light
The Columbia eye center utilizes UV light by applying the light from a machine called the KCL system. It is applied after the cornea is drenched in the Photrexa (riboflavin) and Photrexa Viscous eye drops. And once both the UV light and the eye drops are applied together during the procedure, the cornea begins to stiffen and strengthen slowly and/or stop the keratoconus.
If your doctor diagnoses you with keratoconus, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist who has the training and certification to determine which option is best for you and the severity of your condition. Before your first appointment, gather notes of what you’ve been experiencing, such as:
- Your vision changes
- How long your symptoms have persisted
- Stress or any life-changing events
- Any medications you take - including eye drops and vitamin supplements
- Any questions you think you might like to ask your doctor