Treatment of Keratoconus (Kerarings): This surgical procedure is done in patients with moderate to severe, progressive keratoconus. Keratoconus is a corneal disease where the cornea (Transparent portion of the eye) thins out & starts bulging forward. This is a slowly progressive condition wherein the spectacle power shows frequent changes. Lasik/ICL or any other refractive procedure cannot be performed, as the condition is a progressive one. Keratoplasty (Corneal grafting) was the only procedure available till recently. But now with the advent of Kerarings(Intrastromal Corneal Rings), the keratoconus progression can be arrested & at the same time some form of refractive correction can also be performed. Keraings have been specifically designed for treatment of keratoconus.
Keraring Procedure:
The procedure is done with local anaesthetic drops and using the INTRALASE laser to make small tunnels in the cornea for insertion of the lens. The entire procedure will take about 15 minutes. A bandage contact lens may be inserted at the end of the procedure, which is usually removed after 2-3 days. The vision improves significantly in 24-48 hours. Unlike refractive procedures like Lasik, the Keraring is meant to stabilize the cornea and may provide 70-80% of refractive corrections. Glasses or contact lenses may be required to fine tune the vision.
Keraring:Contraindications
Patients with severe kerotoconus, scarring or swelling of cornea may not be suitable. Also patients with severe eye allergy may not be ideal candidates
