The Doctor's Doctor - Dr. Mandel

Can I Have LASIK If I Have Keratoconus?

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. During the reshaping of the cornea, some corneal tissue is removed, making the cornea thinner. As a result, LASIK is absolutely contraindicated for individuals with keratoconus, an eye condition characterized by thinning of the cornea.

Bay Area Corneal specialist and LASIK surgeon, Mark Mandel, MD, explains more in this blog post.

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive degenerative corneal condition. It causes the normally round cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This in turn deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the retina, distorting vision. As the bulging of the cornea worsens, nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism can occur. In addition to blurred vision, keratoconus can result in glare and light sensitivity.

Why Keratoconus May Disqualify You from Having LASIK

Keratoconus weakens the cornea, and having LASIK can weaken an eye with keratoconus even further.

Treating Keratoconus with Intacs and Collagen Crosslinking

Fortunately there are several treatment options available for individuals with keratoconus. Keratoconus can be effectively treated with prescription eyewear such as glasses for milder cases and contact lenses for more advanced cases. But as the condition worsens, more advanced treatments are needed. Cornea specialist Mark Mandel MD is pleased to offer Intacs, which are FDA-approved clear, arc-shaped corneal inserts that are surgically inserted within the peripheral cornea to flatten and reshape the front surface of the eye. In addition to treating keratoconus, Intacs can be used to treat induced ectasia after LASIK surgery. It’s important to note that Intacs do not cure keratoconus or LASIK-induced ectasia or halt their progression. It can, however, make it easier to wear contact lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Collagen crosslinking is an FDA-approved procedure that uses vitamin B drops and an ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of the condition. It is extremely effective in stopping the progression and should be used as soon as keratoconus is diagnosed (especially in children and teens).

Corneal specialist Mark Mandel, MD, can discuss your treatment options in detail upon meeting with you and evaluating your case. To schedule a personal consultation, contact Optima Eye by emailing us or calling 877-210-2020 ext. 3 today.

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Keratoconus is an eye condition characterized by the outward bulging of the cornea, which also gets thinner as this occurs. Once the cornea has morphed from a rounded shape to a cone shape, it can cause a host of other issues, such as blurry vision, light sensitivity, and contact lens intolerance. The condition often progresses slowly over the years but is generally detectable as early as the teenage years. Patients with this condition may be confused about their treatment options; however, a path to clear vision is possible, even with keratoconus. Mark Mandel, MD, treats keratoconus with Intacs™ to improve the vision with contact lenses and possibly the quality of life of keratoconus patients at our practice locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Jose, and Concord. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation. Learn more about the procedure below.
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Affecting about one out of every 2,000 people, keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea gets thinner and progressively bulges outward into a conical shape. While the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, eye doctors are sure that its consequences can be devastating. In this blog, Bay Area LASIK and corneal specialist Mark Mandel,…
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