Contact lenses are the primary treatment and are satisfactory treatment for most patients with keratoconus. Severe cases may require corneal transplantation. Newer technologies may use high frequency radio energy. This energy shrinks the edges of the cornea, which pulls the central area back to a more normal shape. It can help delay or avoid the need for a corneal transplantation.
Expectations (prognosis):
In most cases vision can be corrected with gas-permeable contact lenses. Where corneal transplantation is needed, results are usually good after a long recovery period.
Complications:
Patients with keratoconus should not have laser vision correction. Corneal topography is usually done before laser vision correction to rule out people with this condition.
Calling your health care provider:
Young persons whose vision cannot be corrected to 20/20 with glasses should be evaluated by an eye doctor experienced with keratoconus.
Review Date: 10/31/2004
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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