Keratoconus information

what is keratoconus tampa bay, floridaKeratoconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea, is the most common corneal dystrophy in the U.S., affecting one in every 2000 Americans.

Keratoconus is more prevalent in teenagers and adults in their twenties. It arises when a focal area of the cornea thins and gradually bulges outward, forming a rounded cone shape. This abnormal curvature changes the cornea’s refractive power, producing moderate to severe distortion (irregular astigmatism) and blurriness of vision. This eye disease may also cause sudden swelling and a sight-impairing scarring of the tissue.

The male to female ratio is approximately 60:40 and the average age of diagnosis is 28.3 years of age.

The prevalence is 1:2000 in the United states but maybe as high as 1 in 375 in the Netherlands and 1:20.8 in Saudia Arabia

QUICK FACTS

Affects 1 in 2000 in the United States
Affects all ethnicities & both genders
First diagnosed in young people at puberty or in their late teens
Progressive until the 3rd – 4th decade

RISK FACTORS

Eye rubbing
Family history
Number of family members
Younger age at onset

DID YOU KNOW

Dr. Berger was the first surgeon in Tampa and Central Florida to utilize Avedro Collagen Crosslinking and Femtosecond Laser Assisted Implantation of INTACS Ring Segments for the treatment of keratoconus.

Need a Keratoconus evaluation? Give us a call
813-265-6940

Keratoconus Causes

Keratoconus involves a complex interaction of both genetic and environmental factors, which allows a ‘two-hit hypothesis’, that is, a genetic predisposition to the corneal disease and a second hit that triggers the disease. Previously believed to be a non inflammatory condition recent studies have shown a significant role of proteolytic enzymes, cytokines, and free radicals. Increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 have been found in the tear film possibly as the result of eye rubbing (the second hit). Eye rubbing is usually associated with atopic conditions like asthma, hay fever, eczema, atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Many genes have been identified that increase the risk for keratoconus. Genetic testing to determine your risk of the disease will be available at the Bay Area Eye Institute in early 2021.

Other conditions linked to keratoconus include sleep apnea, Leber’s congenital amaurosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Down syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta.

Keratoconus usually affects both eyes. At first, people can correct their vision with eyeglasses. But as the astigmatism worsens, they must rely on specially fitted contact lenses to reduce the distortion and provide better vision. Although finding a comfortable contact lens can be an extremely frustrating and difficult process, it is crucial because a poorly fitting lens could further damage the cornea and make wearing a contact lens intolerable.

In most cases, the cornea will stabilize after a few years without ever causing severe vision problems. But in about 10 to 20 percent of people with keratoconus, the cornea will eventually become too scarred or will not tolerate a contact lens. If either of these problems occur, a corneal transplant may be needed. This operation is successful in more than 90 percent of those with advanced keratoconus. Several studies have also reported that 80 percent or more of these patients have 20/40 vision or better after the operation.

Eye Rubbing

Eye rubbing is a hallmark sign of both allergic eyes AND keratoconus. All eye rubbing is not the same and tends to have different patterns, depending on whether allergic eyes or keratoconus is the cause. Check this out:

keratoconus treatment tampa bay florida

The allergic eye patient tends to complain of “itchy eyes” and explains that they rub them because, “it just feels good” or, “it’s relieving.”  They tend to use their palm or back of the hand in a back and forth motion. Or, apply pressure in the corner of their eye with a finger tip.

The keratoconus patient who rubs their eyes may say the do it because, “it helps me see better.” They tend to apply greater pressure on the center of the eyelid, using circular motions with a knuckle or two fingertips pads.

Keratoconus Treatments

CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING TREATMENT FOR KERATOCONUS IS NOW AVAILABLE AT BAY ARE EYE INSTITUTE!

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B. J. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Sep 05, 2020 I had the cross linking procedure done to aid in slowing the progression of my keratoconus and I am so thankful that this procedure was completed! My vision has improved significantly! I am thankful to Dr. Berger and the team for giving me hope about my vision. I’m extremely grateful :) A. G. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Aug 31, 2020 Dr. Berger is great he performed a cross linking surgery to help treat my keratoconus and my vision has significantly improved. Lisa and Chad are very awesome along with the rest of the staff and I’m glad I am a patient here. E. B. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Aug 26, 2020 Always on time. Great service and friendly staff. Dr. Berger is the best. J. A. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Aug 12, 2020 The cross linking procedure was not as dranatic as I expected, which was great. The doctor made sure I was 100% comfortable before we began and Myra, the technician who stays with you throughout the procedure was a blessing. She really made the experience as soothing and relaxing as possible. Im a glad I drove as far as I did for this procedure with Dr. Berger. Highly recommend his office and staff. V. C. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Aug 10, 2020 Dr.Craig es un profesional altamente calificado . Yo estoy bajo su cuidado desde hace un año por la condición de re sequedad ocular y me ha realizado tratamientos que han mejorado en un 70% o más Esta condición. Su práctica cuenta con equipos de alta tecnología, la práctica tiene un trabajo bien coordinado lo que hace fluido el trabajo y acorta la estadía de los pacientes en la clínica. No me arrepiento de haber elegido a Dr.Craig y a Bay Area Eye Instituto para el cuidado de mi vista S. M. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Jul 23, 2020 Dr Berger and staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. I have had several eye surgeries and highly recommended them. J. S. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Jul 14, 2020 Dr. Berger and staff were extremely helpful and accommodating. Made CXL surgery a breeze. M. M. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Jul 09, 2020 Clean, Covid-19 steps in place, all staff informative and courtious. Overall great experience. J. A. (Verified Patient)★★★★★Jul 08, 2020 This place is Amazing, the staff is awesome! Everyone is friendly and very helpful! I had Corneal crosslinking done here by Dr. Berger, this place is awesome!!