Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease that causes the central area of the cornea to become weak and thinner, making the shape ‘bulge’ in an irregular manner.

This results in a refractive error with the end result being distorted vision. The cornea is the transparent dome-shaped front part of our eyes, allowing for focusing of the eye. To function properly it must be smooth and appropriately shaped. This results in a refractive error with the end result being distorted vision. The cornea is the transparent dome-shaped front part of our eyes, allowing for focusing of the eye. To function properly it must be smooth and appropriately shaped.

Complex Contact Lens Fitting Complex Contact Lens Fitting

At LaserVision, we offer a range of complex contact lens’ fittings including Rigid Contact lenses, Piggyback or Hybrid lenses and Scleral lenses. All are fitted by our team of experts, aiming to provide you with longer lasting vision clarity. At LaserVision, we offer a range of complex contact lens’ fittings including Rigid Contact lenses, Piggyback or Hybrid lenses and Scleral lenses. All are fitted by our team of experts, aiming to provide you with longer lasting vision clarity.

Rigid Contact lenses Rigid Contact lenses

Rigid (hard) gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses can greatly improve vision when glasses are no longer effective. These are the most common method of improving the vision for patients with Keratoconus. Supported by the natural tears in the eye, the irregular surface of the cornea is reshaped allowing for better vision. The development of special keratoconus RGP contact lens designs has increased the usage of RGP lenses over the years. However, RGP contact lenses cannot be worn by everyone. Many people will experience unacceptable discomfort. Therefore they are only partially successful, especially for patients with low production of tears, as an adequate supply of tears is needed to provide adequate lubrication to buffer the RGP lens.

Piggyback or Hybrid lenses

If RGP contact lenses are not tolerated, piggyback lenses are sometimes used, where the hard contact lens is placed on top of a soft contact lens making wear more comfortable. This superimposed method, although more awkward, may sometimes be better tolerated than an RGP contact lens alone. Another option is the use of a hybrid lens (hard centre and soft edge), which can be an alternative solution.

Scleral lenses

In very advanced cases of Keratoconus, a well fitted scleral contact lenses may offer visual correction.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking

Cross-linking is not a new technique and has long been used as a medical interventional technique in other areas such as dentistry. However, in recent years it has gained momentum in the treatment for stabilising Keratoconus. First performed in 1997, it is now being used by a number of prominent Ophthalmic surgeons here in Europe.