Ectasias are degenerative diseases of the cornea (first transparent layer of the eye) in which the cornea progressively thins and bulges. The most common ectasia is keratoconus, although there are also other forms such as pellucid marginal degeneration, keratoglobus and post-surgical ectasia.
Its specific cause is not well known. Risk factors for its development include family history, race, atopy and, especially, ocular rubbing.
How do keratoconus and ectasia manifest themselves?
The progressive deformation of the cornea usually leads to a progressive increase in myopia and astigmatism which, due to their irregularity, cannot be completely corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.
Symptoms, especially frequent changes in prescription and gradual worsening of vision, usually begin around adolescence. It usually affects both eyes, although asymmetrically, and progresses until the fifth decade of life.
Diagnosis of keratoconus
In order to diagnose keratoconus, it is essential to have the corneal topography evaluated by an ophthalmology specialist. In addition, this test will allow us to know if there is progression present and what is the best form of treatment at each moment.
How to treat keratoconus or any ectasia?
Treatment will be directed, on the one hand, to stop the progression of ectasia and, on the other hand, to correct vision. There are several techniques for this purpose:
- Corneal crosslinking (collagen crosslinking): this is a non-invasive and effective treatment to stop the progression of the disease, based on the use of riboflavin and ultraviolet light. Early diagnosis is essential for this treatment to be indicated.
- Rigid contact lenses: when glasses can no longer correct corneal deformity, these lenses can compensate, to a certain extent, for this irregularity.
- Intracorneal rings: these are small segments of polymethylmethacrylate arc that are implanted in the thickness of the cornea. They are indicated when rigid lenses are not well tolerated or do not provide good vision. They regularize the shape of the cornea to allow optical correction.
- Intraocular lenses: they can be associated to the previous ones to correct large graduation defects.
- Corneal transplantation: in advanced cases or when previous options have been exhausted, it is necessary to resort to it to restore a regular and transparent cornea.