Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a unique eye condition that interferes with your lifestyle and requires advanced treatment options. At Vistasite Eye Care of Kings Plaza Mall in the Mill Basin neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City, board-certified optometrists Gary Eppel, OD, and Dmitri Bondarenko, OD, understand the importance of clear vision and eye health and are dedicated to providing cutting-edge services to enhance and preserve your vision. Call Vistasite Eye Care of Kings Plaza Mall today to schedule testing at the onsite lab, or book your appointment online.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects your cornea, the clear tissue that covers your eye. Keratoconus causes your cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to visual distortions. 

This disorder can cause significant visual impairment and may affect both eyes, typically starting during late teenage years or early adulthood. Fortunately, the Vistasite Eye Care of Kings Plaza Mall team specializes in treating keratoconus.

How do you diagnose keratoconus?

During your consultation, the team evaluates your medical history and symptoms to determine if you show the initial signs of keratoconus. They conduct a comprehensive eye examination, using a combination of tests to diagnose and assess the severity of your keratoconus. 

Using advanced diagnostic technologies, such as corneal topography and tomography, they map the cornea’s curvature. Specialized tests like corneal pachymetry identify thinning associated with keratoconus.

Keratoconus symptoms can vary, but common signs include:

• Clouded vision
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Frequent eye prescription changes
• Sudden worsening of vision
• Difficulty driving at night
• Eye strain

As the condition progresses, it can cause corneal scarring, further compromising vision.

How do you treat keratoconus?

At Vistasite Eye Care of Kings Plaza Mall, the team offers comprehensive treatment options for keratoconus. The approach may include:

Specialized contact lenses

Customized contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses, provide a smooth and even surface for the cornea.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL)

This minimally invasive procedure involves the application of riboflavin eye drops followed by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. CXL strengthens the corneal tissue, preventing further bulging and progression of the condition.

Intacs inserts

These tiny, arc-shaped devices are surgically implanted into the cornea to flatten and reshape it, improving visual acuity.

Corneal transplant

In advanced cases where other treatments are insufficient, a corneal transplant replaces the damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue.

The experienced and skilled eye care professionals at Vistasite Eye Care take a patient-centered approach to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on the severity of your keratoconus and your individual needs.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, call the office to schedule a consultation with the specialists at Vistasite Eye Care in Kings Plaza Mall or use the online booking tool today.