Keratoconus, from the Greek keratos (horny tissue, cornea) and konos (cone shape), is also known as conical cornea.
Keratoconus is a corneal disorder in which the usually spherical cornea protrudes out in a conical shape, causing impaired vision. The progression of the disorder depends on the patient’s age and the duration of the disorder. The earlier the onset, the faster the development of the disorder. Keratoconus often affects both eyes, usually asymmetrically.
A hereditary disease usually starting during puberty, keratoconus sometimes skips a generation. Rubbing the eyes may accelerate progression of the disorder. Wearing glasses is usually sufficient for patients in the initial stages of keratoconus. As the disorder develops, the cornea weakens and arches outward, causing irregular astigmatism. As this can no longer be corrected with glasses, the corneal curvature is corrected with contact lenses (hard or hybrid). Although glasses and contact lenses do correct vision, they cannot stop the disease from progressing. Until recently, the only treatment was a cornea transplant.
The concept of strengthening the cornea via photochemical reactions originated with German professor Theo Seiler. This procedure, corneal cross-linking (CXL), is done in two phases. First the corneal tissue is saturated with yellow vitamin B2 drops, then it is exposed to special ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength. The resulting chemical bonds strengthen the cornea without deteriorating its transparency. As a result, many patients can avoid corneal transplantation and can treat their keratoconus with a far less invasive and safer method. We also combine CXL with corneal ring implants.
| Price list for keratoconus treatment (prices for 1 eye) | Insured | Self-payer |
| CXL therapy – corneal cross linking | 120 € | 450 € |
