A closer look at keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a disease that causes a progressive thinning of the cornea, the clear front portion of the eye. As a result of this condition, the normal outward pressure from within the eye causes the cornea to progressively bulge into a cone-like shape. Keratoconus rarely results in total blindness although it can significantly impair vision and, according to experts, lead to the need for a corneal transplant in up to 20% of cases.

While nobody knows the cause of keratoconus, there is evidence that the disease has generic origins, possibly made worse by environmental factors. It normally affects both eyes,though it typically progresses at different rates. In most people, keratoconus begins during their teen years and slowly worsens before stabilizing in their 30's or 40's.

Keratoconus is estimated to affect one in 2,000 people across all races. It is normally treated with rigid contact lenses to reshape and flatten the pronounced curve of the bulging cornea and to improve vision. A proper contact lens fit is crucial to obtain adequate vision and wearing comfort. Poorly fitting or outdated contact lenses can be uncomfortable and lead to additional complications like corneal abrasions, scarring or infection.

A closer look at Intacs.

Intacts prescription inserts provide a unique new option to improve a patient's vision and possibly defer a corneal transplant. Intacs are indicated for the correction of nearsightness and astigmatism for patients with keratoconus, where contact lenses and glasses no longer provide suitable vision.

For those keratoconic patients who are contact lens intolerant, Intacts prescription inserts offer a less threatening option than a corneal transplant. Most physicians would prefer to delay a corneal transplant — to make it the option of last resort. Intacs prescription inserts make this a possibility by improving fuctional vision, and delaying the need for a corneal transplant.

Keratoconus, the Disease

Keratoconus is a disease that creates a thinning of the cornea or the clear front surface of the eye. Normal outward pressure within the eye causes the cornea to progressively bulge into a cone-like shape. The change in the cornea's shape can have a dramatic impact on one's vision. In more severe cases, normal everyday activities such as driving and reading can be difficult to perform. Although keratoconus rarely results in total blindness, 20% of all patients will at some time need to undergo a corneal transplant, according to medical experts.

For keratoconus patients who are contact lens intolerant, there is now a revolutionary new procedure available, Intacs prescription inserts. Intacs provide a new option to improve both corrected and uncorrected vision, and may defer the need for a corneal transplant.

Nobody knows the cause of keratoconus. There is evidence that the disease has genetic origins possibly made worse by environmental factors. It normally affects both eyes although it typically progresses at different rates. In most people keratoconus begins during their teen years and slowly worsens before stabilizing in their 30s or 40s.

Your eye doctor is the best person to consult with regarding whether this new and exciting option for treating keratoconus is right for you if you suffer from impaired vision due to keratoconus.