Keratoconus Diagnosis and Treatment at Perspective Optometry Vancouver

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape, resulting in distorted vision. At Perspective Optometry Vancouver, we specialize in the diagnosis and management of keratoconus, offering advanced diagnostic tools and a range of treatment options to improve vision and quality of life for our patients.

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus typically begins during adolescence or early adulthood and progresses slowly over time. It affects the structural integrity of the cornea, causing light to be scattered rather than focused properly onto the retina, leading to blurred and distorted vision.

Diagnosis of Keratoconus

Diagnosing keratoconus involves a thorough eye examination and specialized tests to assess the shape and thickness of the cornea. At Perspective Optometry Vancouver, we utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies including corneal topography, slit-lamp examination, and pachymetry to accurately diagnose keratoconus and monitor its progression over time.

Treatment Options

Mild to Moderate Keratoconus

• Eyeglasses: Initially prescribed to correct mild astigmatism and nearsightedness associated with early-stage keratoconus.
• Contact Lenses:
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Custom-fit lenses that improve visual acuity by masking corneal irregularities.
  • Scleral Lenses: Large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea, providing stable and comfortable vision correction.

Advanced Keratoconus

• Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): Minimally invasive procedure to strengthen the cornea and halt disease progression.
• Intacs (Intracorneal Ring Segments): Small implants inserted into the cornea to reshape its curvature and improve visual clarity.

Referral to Ophthalmologists

We collaborate with ophthalmologists specializing in corneal diseases and refractive surgery for advanced treatments beyond optometric care, including corneal transplantation and customized refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK.

Patient-Centered Care and Education

Our approach emphasizes personalized care and patient education, empowering individuals with comprehensive information about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle recommendations for optimal visual outcomes and long-term eye health.

Conclusion

Keratoconus requires ongoing management and specialized care to preserve vision and improve quality of life. At Perspective Optometry Vancouver, our dedicated team ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with us to begin your journey towards clearer vision and enhanced eye health.

The corneal topographer images the surface of your eye, the cornea, and tells the doctor what shape it has and whether there are any abnormalities that could be early stage keratoconus. This is the same equipment that the laser eye surgeon uses to determine the shape of your cornea in preparation for laser eye surgery and it is also what we use to fit special ty contact lenses such as orthokeratology lenses. This is an example of a corneal topography image: