Keratoconus: the great importance of detecting the problem early

Dr. Arnalich Montiel is a renowned ophthalmologist, specialist in the departments of Cornea and Ocular Surface, and Refractive Surgery. He has a brilliant career and is an expert in corneal transplants and keratoconus treatment, mastering the most innovative techniques (Crosslinking, intracorneal segment implantation, femtosecond SALK, DALK, DSAEK or DMEK lamellar transplants).

What is keratoconus?

This pathology is a debilitating disease of the cornea characterized by deformation of the corneal structure and a progressive increase in its curvature. Over time, the eye takes on a conical shape and there is a progressive loss of vision. In most cases patients present progressive myopia and astigmatism. This pathology affects approximately one out of every two thousand people in Spain. It usually occurs among young people in their twenties and thirties and is also the leading cause of corneal transplantation among young people.

The great importance of diagnosis

It is of vital importance that this disease is diagnosed from the beginning, so that a specially focused treatment can be carried out to slow its progression. If this pathology is not treated from the very beginning, it can lead to a visual disability that can only be corrected with a complete corneal transplant. The only treatment available until a few years ago was contact lenses for visual rehabilitation, but the progression of the disease followed an independent course. Currently, collagen crosslinking, rings and intracornal segments, which are complemented with modern surgical techniques that use refractive intraocular lenses and excimer laser techniques to improve the vision of people affected by this corneal degeneration. It is important to emphasize that people who suffer from keratoconus or who are suspected of having any alteration suggestive of it, even in phases that have not shown up clinically, should not undergo laser refractive surgery in order to correct their vision defects.

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The Vissum center specializes in the treatment of keratoconus and other pathological deformities of the cornea and in the practice of techniques performed on the corneal surface in order to reinforce the structure of these abnormal corneas. These techniques can prevent or delay corneal transplantation.

Main symptoms

Some of the symptoms of keratoconus are: blurred vision, constant changes in prescription, mainly astigmatism. Irritation, increased sensitivity to intense light, continuous tearing of the eyes and intolerance to contact lenses.

Risk factors for the pathology

Risk factors are ocular allergic diseases and it is believed that intense scratching of the eye or squeezing the eye forcefully and repeatedly may play a role in the development of the disease in predisposed corneas.