Keratoconus Treatment

Intacs Implantation with Laser

THE CORNEA IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STRUCTURE IN OUR EYES

As such, even the most minute irregularity in its shape can lead to devastating deterioration in one’s vision.

The problem with Keratoconus is that most “general” Ophthalmologists (even some “corneal specialists”) don’t have much experience in treating it surgically: this is a sub-specialty that is often not taught in residency programs or even some corneal fellowships. In addition, treating Keratoconus may require a COMBINATION of surgical skills that may not all be available at one center (or by one surgeon).

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As a consequence of Dr. Soroudi’s level of expertise, we have people who travel to our centers literally from around the world to have their eyes treated by Dr. Soroudi. Simply put, we do more Keratoconus surgery in a month than some doctors do in a lifetime!

If you suffer from Keratoconus, we can totally help you. Some of these services may even covered by your health insurance.

WORLD-CLASS KERATOCONUS TREATMENT

Excerpted from Dr. Soroudi’s Book: Advanced Refractive Surgery:

Keratoconus is a relatively common eye condition that has been estimated to affect up to 1/2000 individuals worldwide. As its name implies, this condition refers to a “cone-shaped” cornea (kerato = cornea and conus = cone-shaped). As a result of this irregular shaped cornea, people with keratoconus get irregular astigmatism, and can’t focus images with glasses or regular contact lenses.

INTACS – IMPLANTS TO “FLATTEN” THE CORNEA

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This procedure provides great hope for patients with keratoconus! It improve one’s uncorrected visual acuity (vision without glasses). It often always improved people’s CORRECTED visual acuity (vision with glasses/contacts is better after Intacs than before). It can slow down the progression of Keratoconus (even without cross-linking), and it can allow us to treat the remainder of any residual refractive error with PRK (which is not recommended in Keratoconus patients). Intacs can also help avoid the need for a risky and cumbersome corneal transplant surgery altogether!

CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSS-LINKING WITH VARIABLE ENERGY – EPI-ON (NEW)

Corneal cross-linking is the newest, FDA-APPROVED, approach toward treating Keratoconus (and other Ectasias), and we have it available in-house for our patients who suffer from irregular corneas.

During this procedure, Dr. Soroudi applies Riboflavin drops (Vitamin B) onto the Cornea (clear part of the eye that has become distorted) and exposes the eye to an ultraviolet (UV) light source. This is LITERALLY like sitting in a tanning bed (except he’ll keep your eye open with a gentle speculum so you won’t have to be worried about blinking). This causes the loose, “floppy” cornea to become more “stiff” (without causing it to scar!). The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes in-and-out.

A Cornea Soaked with Riboflavin

CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION

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Dr. Soroudi always strives to do everything possible to PREVENT the need for a Corneal Transplantation Surgery in his patients. However, there are times when people have waited TOO LONG to treat their conditions and their Corneas are permanently damaged (scarred). At this point, the ONLY available option is a full-thickness Corneal Transplantation Surgery. We are proud to offer full-thickness Corneal Transplantation Surgery (penetraring keratoplasty) for those who need it. Some of Dr. Soroudi’s transplant patients are currently enjoying as good as 20/30 visual acuity WITHOUT the need for any glasses or contact lenses.

Keratoconus Treatment