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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a common cause of blurred eyesight in younger people. This page tells you how we diagnose and treat it.

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What is Keratoconus?
Causes
Symptoms
Treatments
Procedures
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Reviews

What is Keratoconus?

The clear front window of the eye is called the cornea. It focuses light into the eye. Keratoconus is thinning and distortion of the cornea, which causes blurring of eyesight. We can diagnose keratoconus by finding changes in the appearance of the cornea on microscope examination in some cases, but in many patients other tests are required to detect it. We can detect the effects of keratoconus by measuring the way the eye focuses (refraction) and analyzing the shape and thickness of the cornea in great detail (topography).

Causes

Keratoconus is becoming more and more common, especially in younger people. There is strong evidence that a habit of rubbing the eyes can cause it. Eye rubbing in turn is common in people who spend a lot of time using computers, smartphones and tablets.

However, this is not the full story :

It can run in families suggesting a genetic link.

It is more common in people who have severe allergies.

It is also more common in people who have very flexible joints and some rare skin and connective tissue conditions.

People with Down’s syndrome are also prone to keratoconus.

Symptoms

Vision becomes increasingly blurred and glasses don’t seem to quite clear up the blur.  Sometimes even with glasses, vision remains blurred and even slightly doubled.  It is usually an optician who suspects that keratoconus is developing.

Occasionally, one or other eye may suddenly become extra blurred, red and swollen.  This is called “hydrops” and appears to be brought on by vigorous eye rubbing. When this happens, the diagnosis of keratoconus is usually made in the eye casualty department of a hospital.

Treatments

We will try to help you to stop rubbing your eyes, if you do this, with the aid of soothing eye drops.

To help you to see clearly, you will probably need to be fitted with contact lenses. Depending upon your condition, these may be soft or hard (rigid gas permeable).

If your condition continues to worsen, as it often does, we will advise collagen cross linkage to stabilise it.

Excimer laser treatment can be used in selected cases to improve vision in keratoconus, and this is often combined with collagen cross linkage.

In some cases, vision can be improved by inserting tiny plastic implants between the corneal layers (Kerarings™).

Corneal transplantation was in the past the mainstay of treatment for keratoconus. Using the treatments listed above it can be avoided in most cases.

Procedures

Corneal topography

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Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking

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Corneal transplantation through NHS Blood and Tissue.

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MY Eye Clinic
MY Eye Clinic
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Ann HeslopAnn Heslop
11:04 06 Sep 24
I was absolutely petrified but all the staff and Mr Gosh put me at ease had my corneas and cataracts done and never felt a thing. They were always there when I needed them. Many thanks to you all.Ann Heslop one of the owners of Heslop Appliances
Daren KnipeDaren Knipe
15:24 27 Aug 24
I nervously agreed to get this surgery done after pressure from my wife as I kept getting irritated by my Glasses always getting in the way of my life. I made my appointment at MY Eye Clinic. All the team were extremely informative and took time to answer all my questions. I had full lens replacement and the surgery was painless and I really don’t understand why I was worried. The results are fantastic and I now have 20/20 vision at the age 50! I went diving again this year and just amazed by the difference. Biggest difference has been in everyday life, looking at my phone, reading food labels etc. don’t wait get it done it’s a life changer and the team and after care at MY Eye are the best !
PAULINE HAMPTONPAULINE HAMPTON
12:18 19 Aug 24
I have recently had a clear lens extraction with a multifocal lens implant procedure carried out by Mr Ghosh. In my initial appointment everything was explained in depth about the procedure and the after care. My experience from start to finish was exceptional, all the staff in my eye clinic were professional, helpful and very welcoming. My goal was to be glasses free and that is my position since my operation. My only regret is that I didn’t have my lens exchange procedure done earlier!! I would like to thank Mr Ghosh and his team for my first class treatment. This procedure has definitely been life changing for me!
Rohit LawrenceRohit Lawrence
08:35 18 Aug 24
Fantastic service. Got lasik surgery done here, couldn't have gone any better. Very professional team with a high standard of care. Follow up has been easy to arrange and any queries I had post-operation were dealt with quickly.
George BarrettGeorge Barrett
19:16 15 Aug 24
The whole experience, from my initial telephone enquiry, the consultation and the procedure, to the follow up appointment was first class. Abbie, Eyelid Service Manager, was extremely helpful and professional, explaining everything fully over the telephone, which instilled confidence in me. My consultation with Mr Boyce was thorough assessing the problem and explaining what the procedure entailed. The procedure was a great success and Mr Boyce and his nursing staff were brilliant.I would highly recommend My Eye Clinic without any hesitation.
Claire BurnsClaire Burns
17:08 02 Aug 24
I’m 58 years old and have one good eye for close sight and one good eye for far sight. I was investigating laser eye surgery, to at least one eye, to make at least one side work better.The surgery is easy to find, immaculately clean and a calm oasis of tranquility, on the hot day I got there.The booking process had been easy, I had rang and booked in person and unlike Optical Express in Newcastle, I hadn’t been diagnosed over the phone and pushed towards the most expensive treatment in two minutes.Optical express did this when I made the appointment and I felt so untrusting of them giving me impartial advice I cancelled the appointment before I went, I just had a bad feeling about them.My Eye Clinic were different. I was greeted by reception, taken to the optometrist and my eyes tested and then taken to see Dr Ghosh.One word of warning. They put drops in your eyes and it does make everything blurry and believe me, you won’t want to be driving after that. Get the bus from Regents Center, the stop is just outside the clinic, it’s the way forward.He looked at my tests, did some more checks and finally said basically “ you’ve got an excellent eye on alternate sides for each type of vision, the brain is compensating and you don’t need this surgery right now- I’d be reluctant to take you as a patient”How often does a businessman say that?He spent a long time explaining this to me, I was disappointed at first but then I understood what he was getting at. Patient outcome and satisfaction is most important to him. He’s in it for the long term.“ Come back” he said, “if one of your good eyes deteriorates” and we will look again then and that is exactly what I will do.I know this is a long review but I would trust the advice Dr Ghosh gives you.My 19 year old daughter has very short sighted eyes and I will be bringing her to Dr Ghosh when she is 21 and her sight has stabilised.The whole experience was edifying.Thank you to reception and Anita Murphy as well. They were lovely.
Duncan AllenDuncan Allen
16:09 18 Jul 24
Absolutely totally professional service from start to finish. Had my cataracts removed and bifocal lens fitted, the final results are fantastic, no need for glasses anymore. Also the follow up and after care service has been brilliant.
Hazel McDiarmidHazel McDiarmid
10:40 14 Jun 24
Andrew has been patient and explained things well. His manner is gentle and kind.I am still adapting to my hearing aids and so far they have helped a little but not as much as I had hoped in noisy environments.
Anthony TooleAnthony Toole
12:56 16 Apr 24
Alistair QuinnAlistair Quinn
13:07 09 Apr 24
First class recommendation for My Eye Clinic and in particular Andrew Peel who was professional, knowledgeable very thorough. A pleasure to deal with!
Holly RobinsonHolly Robinson
12:16 28 Mar 24
So helpful and reassuring. My site is amazing. The whole process was so smooth, I understood everything that I was told and knew of any risks and potential side effects before agreeing to anything. Couldn't be happier.
Dawn RaffleDawn Raffle
19:10 21 Feb 24
I recently had permanent lens procedure carried out by Mr Ghosh. Having glasses as a child and contact lenses for many years, this has been an absolute revelation for me. Mr Ghosh was absolutely brilliant and very professional from the start. All the staff are lovely and especially like to thank Dianne, Anita and the team. This has changed my life for the better thanks.
Anis FinnAnis Finn
09:35 29 Mar 23
Beautiful clinic, really nice atmosphere, prompt service and really friendly and professional staff. Fernando was particularly great!I would definitely recommend.
Mrs TigerMrs Tiger
17:51 17 Jan 23
Excellent care, all staff very courteous and helpful. YAG surgery clearly explained to me by Mr Morgan, who did a brilliant job. I'd highly recommend this clinic.
Arya DaniArya Dani
14:43 22 Dec 22
Good location
Audrey GilesAudrey Giles
08:58 23 Nov 22
I visited the My Hearing Clinic knowing I needed a hearing assessment but thinking it was just a build up of wax. It came as a shock that I heard a hearing loss which needed addressing. The service I received from Andrew was outstanding! He explained my hearing loss and went through all my options. He recognised that it was a lot of information to take in so made a follow up appointment, giving me sufficient time to think about what I wanted to do. From start to finish the service has been excellent, efficient, professional and friendly from the moment you walk through the door and meet Lee. The clinic is well located, parking on site, high standard of cleanliness. Definitely a recommendation from me. Thank you!
Andrea BoothAndrea Booth
19:55 22 Nov 22
Absolutely first class treatment and experience at this wonderful clinic. Staff were exceptionally welcoming and friendly Mr Morgan the consultant was lovely explaining everything. I had YAG laser treatment painless no discomfort and almost immediate corrected vision. Thank you all so very very much.
Glynis GallagherGlynis Gallagher
16:41 17 Nov 21
Visited clinic today with a totally blocked left ear. Had micro suction to remove a huge build up of ear wax. It was over in minutes. Excellent, efficient and friendly service from start to finish. Would recommend 100% Worth every penny!
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