Select City
location
Get my Location
search icon
phone icon in white color

Call Us

Book Free Appointment

Advanced Keratoconus Treatment in India

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that alters the shape of your cornea, causing visual impairment. A variety of treatment options, from non-surgical to surgical procedures, are available depending on the severity of your condition. Regular care and timely intervention can significantly improve your quality of life. With expert guidance from our skilled doctors at Pristyn Care, you can find the best course of keratoconus treatment for you. If you're experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, don’t delay; book an appointment today for a comprehensive check-up.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that alters the shape of your cornea, ... Read More

anup_soni_banner
Book FREE Doctor Appointment
cost calculator
Anup Soni - the voice of Pristyn Care pointing to download pristyncare mobile app
i
i
i
i
Call Us
We are rated
2 M+ Happy Patients
700+ Hospitals
45+ Cities

To confirm your details, please enter OTP sent to you on *

i

45+

Cities

Free Consultation

Free Consultation

Free Cab Facility

Free Cab Facility

No-Cost EMI

No-Cost EMI

Support in Insurance Claim

Support in Insurance Claim

1-day Hospitalization

1-day Hospitalization

USFDA-Approved Procedure

USFDA-Approved Procedure

What is Keratoconus Treatment?

Keratoconus treatment refers to various methods applied to manage and treat keratoconus, a disorder characterised by the thinning and bulging of the cornea, which affects vision. Depending on how advanced the condition is, treatment may range from corrective eyewear for early stages, to surgery for severe cases.

Keratoconus treatment is usually carried out by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) and can be done on an outpatient basis (you don’t have to stay in the hospital). The goal of treatment is to flatten the bulging cornea, improve its shape and enhance the patient’s ability to focus light properly again. Keratoconus treatment can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life by restoring their vision clarity.

cost calculator

Keratoconus Surgery Cost Calculator

Fill details to get actual cost

i
i
i

To confirm your details, please enter OTP sent to you on *

i

What Are The Types Of Keratoconus Treatment?

Various types of keratoconus treatments are available to manage different stages of this eye disorder. These include:

  • Eyeglasses: In the early stages of keratoconus, vision correction can often be achieved with glasses.
  • Soft contact lenses: These are usually beneficial in the initial stages but may become less effective as the condition worsens.
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses: These hard lenses help create a smooth surface over an irregular cornea, offering better vision correction.
  • Scleral lenses: These lenses rest on the sclera (white part of the eye), providing comfort and improved vision in more severe cases.
  • Hybrid contact lenses: A combination of a rigid centre with a soft outer ring, these lenses offer both comfort and clarity.
  • Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL): A minimally invasive procedure that uses riboflavin and ultraviolet light for strengthening corneal tissue, thereby halting keratoconus progression.
  • Intracorneal ring segments: This involves the insertion of plastic rings into the cornea to flatten its surface and improve light refraction.

Corneal transplantation: In advanced cases, a full corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision when other treatments fail. This involves replacing the affected cornea with a healthy donor cornea.

Diagnosis Before Keratoconus Treatment

Prior to proceeding with keratoconus treatment, your doctor will conduct a thorough eye examination to confirm the diagnosis. This examination involves several tests, which are as follows:

  • Slit-lamp examination: In this test, the doctor uses an instrument to examine the cornea under magnification and bright light, looking out for signs of thinning or irregular shape.
  • Corneal topography or tomography: These imaging tests are performed to map the surface of your cornea. This helps in detecting unusual patterns and measuring its curvature and thickness.
  • Refraction and visual acuity tests: These tests are used by your doctor to measure refractive errors like nearsightedness and astigmatism. Additionally, they assess visual acuity with and without corrective lenses.
  • Pachymetry: In this procedure, the doctor accurately measures corneal thickness. This is important as keratoconus often results in reduced corneal thickness.

What Is The Procedure For Keratoconus Treatment?

Keratoconus treatment aims at improving vision while preventing further disease progression. The treatment options include:

  • Non-surgical treatments: For mild cases, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be enough. More severe cases may require rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral contact lenses, or hybrid lenses that combine a rigid centre with a soft outer ring.
  • Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL): A minimally invasive procedure where riboflavin eye drops and UV light are used to strengthen corneal tissue.
  • Intracorneal ring segments: These are plastic rings implanted in the cornea to flatten its shape and enhance vision.
  • Corneal transplant: This is rare but necessary in advanced cases where other treatments have failed.

Pristyn Care’s Free Post-Operative Care

Diet & Lifestyle Consultation

Post-Surgery Follow-Up

Free Cab Facility

24*7 Patient Support

Who Is The Right Candidate For Keratoconus Treatment?

Choosing the right candidate for keratoconus treatment requires a careful evaluation of the individual’s condition and needs. The following may be considered:

  • Progression of the disease: Keratoconus treatment is typically considered when the disease has progressed to a stage where it is significantly impacting the individual’s quality of life.
  • Impact on daily activities: If keratoconus is causing difficulties in performing daily activities such as reading or driving, it may be time to consider treatment.
  • Non-response to other treatments: If non-surgical treatments like glasses or contact lenses fail to improve vision, then more invasive treatments may be necessary.

Remember, your doctor’s advice will be pivotal in making the right treatment choice. Regular follow-ups are crucial for early detection and suitable treatment.

How to Prepare Before Surgical Treatment of Keratoconus?

Before the surgery, the patient will have to follow some specific instructions to reduce the risks during and after the surgery. 

The doctor’s team gathers all the information about the patient’s current health and medical history. Some common instructions given to the patient will include- 

  • Stop taking blood thinning medications as they can increase the risk of bleeding during the surgery. 
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the surgery. 
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothes on the day of surgery. 
  • Avoid applying makeup, creams, lotions, or other chemical products on the face. 
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery. 

Following the instructions given by the doctor is essential to ensure the procedure has minimal risks. 

What Are The Benefits Of Keratoconus Treatment?

Keratoconus treatment offers several potential benefits that can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life. The focus is to improve your vision and halt the progression of the disease. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Halting progression: Treatments such as corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) can slow down or even stop the progression of keratoconus, preventing further deterioration of your vision.
  • Improved vision: Through various corrective lenses or surgical options, many patients experience significant improvements in visual acuity, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
  • Reduced need for surgery: Effective early treatment can decrease the likelihood of requiring more invasive procedures, such as corneal transplants.
  • Enhanced comfort with lenses: Treatments can make wearing contact lenses more tolerable for patients who may struggle with discomfort because of corneal irregularities.

How To Prepare For Keratoconus Treatment?

Preparation is a critical step towards successful keratoconus treatment. Here’s how you can prepare:

  • Consultation: Schedule a comprehensive eye examination with an ophthalmologist specialising in keratoconus to assess the severity and discuss your best treatment options.
  • Medical history: Provide a complete medical history, including any current medications or allergies.
  • Contact lens use: If you are a contact lens wearer, you may be advised to stop using them for a period leading up to the exam to ensure accurate measurements of your cornea can be taken.

What Are The Recovery Tips and Precautions To Follow After Keratoconus Treatment?

After undergoing keratoconus treatment, proper care is crucial for optimal recovery. Here are some important recovery tips to remember:

  • Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Avoid eye strain: Limit activities that may strain your eyes, like prolonged screen time or reading, particularly during the initial recovery phase.
  • Use prescribed medications: Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any prescribed eye drops or medications post-treatment.
  • Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from harmful UV light and avoid irritants like dust or smoke.

Potential Risks Or Complications Associated With Keratoconus Treatment

Like any medical procedure, keratoconus treatment does have some potential complications. Here are a few to be aware of:

  • Infection: As with any procedure involving the eye, there is a risk of infection following treatments like CXL or surgery.
  • Corneal scarring: Some patients may experience scarring on the cornea, which can affect vision quality.
  • Vision changes: While many patients see improvements, some might encounter fluctuations in vision or require additional treatments over time.
  • Discomfort with lenses: After treatment, some patients may still find it challenging to adapt to contact lenses due to ongoing irregularities in the corneal shape.

What Is The Cost Of Keratoconus Treatment In India?

Treating keratoconus in India involves a range of costs, largely dependent on the specific treatment required for the patient. The keratoconus surgery cost may be influenced by various factors, such as:

  • Severity of keratoconus: More advanced cases typically require more complex and expensive treatments.
  • Type of treatment: Surgical options like CXL or intacs generally carry higher costs than non-surgical solutions like glasses or contact lenses.
  • Healthcare facility: Costs can vary across different hospitals and clinics due to reputation, technology employed, and geographic location. Metropolitan areas like Bangalore or Delhi might have different pricing than smaller cities.
  • Additional tests: Specialised diagnostic tests like corneal topography and pachymetry can add to the overall cost.

Is Keratoconus Treatment Covered Under Insurance?

Insurance coverage for keratoconus treatment can vary depending on your policy and the severity of your condition. Many insurance policies in India provide partial or full coverage for keratoconus treatments, especially surgical interventions like CXL and corneal transplants. However, it’s essential to check your specific insurance policy to understand extent of coverage and any exclusions or limitations.

In addition to this, some clinics may offer financing options to help manage the financial burden of treatment. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a government-sponsored health insurance scheme that provides coverage for various medical conditions, including eye diseases.

In conclusion, understanding the coverage options and financial assistance available can aid in making informed decisions about your keratoconus treatment. Remember to consult with your doctor and insurance provider to understand all possibilities pertinent to your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Keratoconus

What are the early signs of keratoconus that suggest I may need keratoconus treatment?

The first signs of keratoconus usually involve changes in vision. These can include sudden cloudiness or blurriness, seeing multiple images, sensitivity to light, and difficulty driving at night. If you notice any of these keratoconus symptoms, it is typically advisable to visit an eye doctor for further evaluation.

Can keratoconus recovery cause blindness?

Keratoconus itself does not directly cause blindness, but it can lead to significant vision impairment if left untreated. As the condition progresses, the cornea thins and becomes irregularly shaped, which can distort vision. Timely treatment, such as contact lenses or surgery, is essential to preserve vision and prevent complications.

Can keratoconus be treated by laser surgery?

Keratoconus cannot be effectively treated with traditional laser surgery like LASIK, as it may worsen the condition. However, corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a laser-assisted procedure that strengthens corneal tissue and halts progression. In some cases, combined treatments may be considered to improve vision and corneal shape.

Does keratoconus cause headaches?

Keratoconus can contribute to headaches due to visual strain and discomfort. As the cornea becomes irregularly shaped, it can cause distorted vision, leading individuals to squint or strain their eyes. This visual stress may result in tension headaches. Proper treatment, such as corrective lenses, can help alleviate these symptoms.

Are there any non-surgical options for treating keratoconus?

Yes, non-surgical options for treating keratoconus include eyeglasses and specialised contact lenses (like rigid gas permeable and scleral lenses) for vision correction. Corneal cross-linking is a non-invasive procedure that strengthens the cornea, while orthokeratology uses overnight lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea for improved daytime vision.

Will I need eyeglasses or contact lenses after the keratoconus treatment?

Yes, most patients will likely need eyeglasses or contact lenses after keratoconus treatment, even following procedures like corneal cross-linking or intacs. These aids help optimise vision, as treatment may not fully correct refractive errors. Regular follow-ups with an eye care professional are essential for ongoing vision management.

What is the success rate of keratonus treatment?

The success rate for treatments such as corneal cross-linking (CXL) can be upwards of 90%. However, success rates vary depending upon individual eye conditions and overall health.

How much does keratoconus surgery cost typically?

The cost of keratoconus surgery can vary depending on factors like the specific procedure used, surgeon’s fees, and hospital charges. It is best to have a detailed discussion with your eye doctor about potential costs before proceeding with any treatment.

Can keratoconus recur after successful treatment?

While keratoconus treatment can successfully halt disease progression in most cases and significantly improve vision, it’s important to be aware that there’s a small chance of recurrence. Regular follow-up appointments with your eye doctor are essential to monitor your condition and detect any signs of recurrence early.

Are there lifestyle changes I can make to help manage my keratoconus symptoms post-treatment?

Yes, maintaining good eye health can help manage keratoconus symptoms post-treatment. This includes protecting your eyes from injury, avoiding rubbing your eyes, wearing sunglasses to protect from UV rays, and having regular eye check-ups to monitor the health of your cornea.

View more questions downArrow