എന്താണ് കെരാട്ടോകോണസ്?

Keratoconus Treatment and Management

The treatment options for keratoconus depend on the severity of the condition. Early-stage keratoconus can often be managed with corrective lenses, while advanced cases may require medical or surgical intervention.

•  കണ്ണടകളും കോൺടാക്റ്റ് ലെൻസുകളും

In the early stages, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses can help correct vision by compensating for mild corneal irregularities. As the condition progresses, specialized lenses such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses are often needed.

• Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and slow the progression of keratoconus. The treatment involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to the eye and activating them with ultraviolet (UV) light.

• Intacs (Corneal Implants)

Intacs are small, arc-shaped inserts that are surgically placed in the cornea to flatten its shape and improve vision. This procedure is often recommended for moderate cases of keratoconus.

• Keratoconus Surgery (Corneal Transplantation)

In advanced cases where vision cannot be corrected with lenses or less invasive treatments, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary. During this procedure, the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.

Keratoconus Self-Care Tips

Managing keratoconus involves lifestyle changes and self-care strategies to slow its progression and improve visual comfort:

• Avoid excessive eye rubbing.

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful rays.

• Use lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness and irritation.

• Follow up regularly with an eye specialist to monitor changes.

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants to support eye health.

 Types of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is classified into different types based on the severity and shape of the corneal deformation:

• Nipple Cone: A small and centrally located steep cone.

• Oval Cone: A larger cone that is displaced towards the lower part of the cornea.

Globular Cone: A large, round cone affecting a significant portion of the cornea.

Risk Factors of Keratoconus

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing keratoconus, including:

• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of keratoconus raises the risk of developing the condition.

• Chronic Eye Rubbing: Persistent eye rubbing, especially in individuals with allergies, may contribute to corneal thinning.

• പാരിസ്ഥിതിക ഘടകങ്ങള്: Exposure to UV rays and oxidative stress can accelerate corneal degeneration.

• മെഡിക്കൽ അവസ്ഥകൾ: Conditions such as Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are linked to keratoconus.

കെരാറ്റോകോണസ് രോഗനിർണയം: പരിശോധനകളും നടപടിക്രമങ്ങളും

Eye specialists use several diagnostic tests to detect and assess keratoconus:

• കോർണിയൽ ടോപ്പോഗ്രാഫി: A detailed imaging test that maps the shape of the cornea to detect abnormalities.

• പാക്കിമെട്രി: Measures the thickness of the cornea to identify thinning areas.

• സ്ലിറ്റ് ലാമ്പ് പരീക്ഷ: A detailed eye exam that helps assess corneal health and detect early signs of keratoconus.

 കെരാറ്റോകോണസിനുള്ള ചികിത്സയും മാനേജ്മെന്റ് ഓപ്ഷനുകളും

The treatment options for keratoconus depend on the severity of the condition. Early-stage keratoconus can often be managed with corrective lenses, while advanced cases may require medical or surgical intervention.

• കണ്ണടകളും കോൺടാക്റ്റ് ലെൻസുകളും

In the early stages, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses can help correct vision by compensating for mild corneal irregularities. As the condition progresses, specialized lenses such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses are often needed.

• Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and slow the progression of keratoconus. The treatment involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to the eye and activating them with ultraviolet (UV) light.

• Intacs (Corneal Implants)

Intacs are small, arc-shaped inserts that are surgically placed in the cornea to flatten its shape and improve vision. This procedure is often recommended for moderate cases of keratoconus.

•  Keratoconus Surgery (Corneal Transplantation)

In advanced cases where vision cannot be corrected with lenses or less invasive treatments, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary. During this procedure, the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.

 കെരാട്ടോകോണസിനുള്ള C3R ശസ്ത്രക്രിയയ്ക്ക് ശേഷമുള്ള മുൻകരുതലുകൾ

After undergoing corneal cross-linking (C3R) surgery, it is essential to follow specific precautions to ensure proper healing:

• Avoid Eye Rubbing: Rubbing the eyes can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

• Use Prescribed Eye Drops: Follow the doctor’s instructions for medicated eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.

• നിങ്ങളുടെ കണ്ണുകൾ സംരക്ഷിക്കുക: Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV exposure and reduce light sensitivity.

സ്‌ക്രീൻ സമയം പരിമിതപ്പെടുത്തുക: Reduce strain on your eyes by minimizing screen usage and taking frequent breaks.