If you have keratoconus, this does not mean that your vision is lost forever and cannot be restored. In this condition, the cornea of the eye (the transparent layer of cells in front of the eye) becomes thinner and takes on a conical shape. Folk remedies such as treating allergies and taking nutritional supplements can alleviate the disease, but only an experienced ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat it. Most people use glasses or contact lenses, but for more advanced cases, doctors usually prescribe medical procedures or surgery.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Folk remedies
Step 1. Watch out for possible manifestations of allergies
If your eyes are itchy due to allergies, take antihistamines regularly and avoid allergens. Try to control your allergic reactions, even if they don't directly affect your eyes. Skin and food allergies can also cause eye inflammation and lead to keratoconus.
Step 2. Drink more milk and take calcium supplements
A diet low in calcium and other nutrients can cause or worsen keratoconus. Aim to drink 2-3 glasses of milk a day to get your daily calcium intake. Talk with your doctor about taking 500–1000 mg of calcium supplements daily.
- Other sources of calcium include cheese, yogurt, spinach, kale, and soybeans.
- Talk to your doctor about your medications or supplements and take them as directed.
Step 3. Try vitamin D supplements
A daily dose of 2,000-4,000 IU of vitamin D will help slow the progression of keratoconus. Because patients have taken much higher doses of vitamin D in clinical trials, be sure to discuss this with your doctor first.
Step 4. Don't rub your eyes
Eye rubbing can damage the thin tissue of the cornea and worsen keratoconus. If your eyes are constantly itchy, do not rub them, but rather use eye drops or non-medical artificial tears.
Step 5. Wear UV-protected sunglasses
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause or worsen keratoconus. When leaving your home, be sure to wear 99-100% UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. Look for eyewear that says UV protection, or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on protective eyewear.
Method 2 of 3: Glasses and contact lenses
Step 1. Consult an optometrist with experience in the treatment of keratoconus
Keratoconus is a potentially serious medical condition that can lead to loss of vision. Only an experienced ophthalmologist can diagnose keratoconus and help you treat it.
Ask your GP to refer or find an optometrist with experience in keratoconus treatment for you
Step 2. Wear corrective glasses if you have a mild case of illness
In the early stages and in mild cases, vision correction is the only treatment needed. If keratoconus has affected your vision, your optometrist will write you a prescription for glasses.
If all you need is glasses, visit your optometrist at least once a year and report any changes you see. He may need to change the prescription or fit you with special contact lenses
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you need contact lenses
In mild to moderate cases, you will need custom contact lenses to help maintain the shape of the cornea. Lenses come in a variety of types, so check with your optometrist for what you need. For most people, contact lenses are the only treatment they need.
After a while, the optometrist may change the prescription for the lenses. Continue to visit him at least once a year and especially if you notice changes in vision
Method 3 of 3: Medical Procedures
Step 1. Ask your doctor about corneal collagen crosslinking (RCC)
Although eyeglasses or contact lenses are sufficient for most patients, a doctor may recommend an RCC to strengthen the collagen bonds in the cornea. Corneal Collagen Crosslinking is a non-surgical procedure that takes about an hour. It is not invasive, but over the next 1–3 months, you may experience temporary blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light.
In most cases, after RCC there is a slowdown or complete cessation of visual impairment. Ask someone to take you home after the procedure, as you will experience changes in vision
Step 2. Discuss the placement of segmental ring implants with your doctor
In advanced and severe cases, the doctor may recommend a special plastic implant that will help the cornea to maintain its shape and correct distorted vision. These implants are placed surgically, but the procedure itself will only take 10-15 minutes.
- You need someone to take you home after your procedure and you will need to rest for a few days after your surgery. You will most likely experience a temporary deterioration in vision, but after a few months your vision will become clearer and clearer. The duration of recovery will depend on the severity of the disease.
- The annular segments do not stop the progression of keratoconus, but they can improve your vision. Therefore, some doctors perform corneal collagen crosslinking (to stop degradation) and place ring implants (to correct vision) in one go.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about a corneal transplant
Only the rarest, advanced and severe cases of keratoconus require a corneal transplant. A transplant is usually only prescribed if other treatments have failed. The doctor will explain to you how to prepare for the procedure and tell you about post-operative care.