Best Keratoconus Doctors in Mysore

Keratoconus is a progressive eye ailment that causes the normally round cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to blurred and distorted vision. This disease tends to progress gradually, with the exact cause not fully understood. It is believed that a blend of genetic and environmental factors contributes significantly to its onset.

The city of Mysore, known for its high-quality healthcare facilities, has seen an increase in the number of keratoconus cases due to increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities. Fortunately, it is also home to some of the best doctors for keratoconus and offers top-notch treatments for this condition.

Types/Stages of Keratoconus

Keratoconus progression can be categorised into two main stages:

• Early Keratoconus: This involves mild corneal thinning and irregular astigmatism. These cause minor vision problems that can be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.

• Moderate Keratoconus: It is possible to see corneal alterations and a rise in corneal distortion that are typical of keratoconus.

• Advanced Keratoconus: This stage involves significant corneal thinning and irregular astigmatism, leading to severe vision problems that can no longer be fully corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.

• Severe Keratoconus: Severe corneal thinning and scarring, as well as dramatic distortion, is observed at this stage.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

The signs of keratoconus may vary per individual but generally include:

• Blurred or distorted vision

• Increased sensitivity to glare and light

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

• Double vision in one eye

• Eye strain or eye fatigue

Tests to Diagnose Keratoconus

To diagnose keratoconus, several tests may be performed including:

• Eye refraction test: Measures the eyes' ability to focus light.

• Slit-lamp examination: Visualises the anterior segment of the eye.

• Corneal topography: Maps out the curvature of the cornea

• Keratometry: Measures the corneal curvature.

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Provides detailed images of the cornea.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Keratoconus at Apollo Hospitals, Mysore

At Apollo Hospitals in Mysore, various treatment options can be availed depending on the stage and severity of the condition:

• Glasses or soft contact lenses: Used in early stages to correct mild vision issues.

• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses: Utilised in advanced stages to enhance vision by compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea.

• Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL): This procedure uses riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light to fortify and stabilise the cornea, slowing or halting keratoconus progression.

• Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS): These are small, curved plastic inserts placed in the cornea to flatten the cone shape and improve vision.

• Corneal transplant (keratoplasty): A surgical procedure performed in severe cases when other treatments are no longer effective, wherein the central part of the patient's cornea is replaced with donor corneal tissue.