Keratoconus: A Progressive Non-Inflammatory Disorder

KERATOCONUS Keratoconus is a progressive non-inflammatory disorder that causes a characteristic thinning and cone-like steepening of the cornea. SYMPTOMS Distortion of vision Sensitivity to light Reduction in visual acuity EFFECTS ON THE CORNEA Thinning of cornea Cone-like steepening Normal Cornea Keratoconus hydrogen peroxide superoxides nitric oxide CAUSES The cause of the weakening is due to an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea itself that leads to high levels of damaging "reactive species" chemicals. PREVENTION All patients with Keratoconus should protect their eyes by wearing 100% UV blocking sunglasses with the wrap-around design. New research shows Keratoconus is much more common than in the past ONE in 2000 ONE in 500 THEN NOW 400% INCREASE TRANSPLANT A corneal transplant involves the removal of the central portion of the diseased cornea and replacing it with a donor cornea. INTACS Intacs reshape the curvature of the cornea from within, enhancing the natural shape of the eye to correct mild nearsightedness. Holcomb C3-R This method works by increasing collagen cross-linking, which are the natural "anchors" within the cornea. These anchors are responsible for preventing the cornea from bulging out and becoming steep and irregular. The ONLY method to stop the progression of Keratoconus is with corneal collagen crosslinking treatment. Sources: http://www.keratoconusinserts.com/what.htm http://www.keratoconusinserts.com/cause.html http://www.keratoconusinserts.com/intacs.htm http://www.keratoconusinserts.com/c3-r-cxl-crosslinking.html INFOGRAPHIC DESIGNED BY NationalPositions BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE