This disease leads to corneal transplantation

The purpose of each method applied in keratoconus, which causes the cornea to thin and taper forward, may not be the same. While some practices aim to stop the progression of the disease, some options can be considered to improve the patient's vision quality. Experts point out that the expected outcome of the treatment may vary depending on the stage of the disease and the structure of the cornea. Dünyagöz Etiler Hospital Ophthalmology Specialist Prof. Dr. Anıl Kubaloğlu stated that due to the progressive nature of keratoconus, it is first necessary to determine whether the disease is active or not. “When keratoconus is diagnosed early, we have very successful results in stopping the progression of the disease,” said Prof. Dr. Kubaloğlu.

Drawing attention to keratoconus disease in visual disorders starting in

 

childhood and adolescence, Prof. Dr. Kubaloğlu said that due to the developing irregular astigmatism, that is, irregularities in the surface of the transparent layer called the cornea on the front surface of our eyes lead to a light refraction defect, blurring the image of the objects, and vision is affected first in patients.

 

Frequent Eye Rubs Attention

Stating that eye rubbing can cause serious vision loss in keratoconus disease, Prof. Dr. Kubaloğlu said, "Many patients reflexively use their eyes, especially due to itching.Which method will be preferred can be determined by evaluating corneal thickness, degree of disease, progression and the patient's vision needs together. ”

Method Specific to Each Patient

 

 Underlining that the same method may not be applied to EVERY patient, Prof. Dr Kubaloğlu said: “It may not be possible for a single application to meet the needs of all patients in the treatment of keratoconus. The priority in one patient may be to stop the progression of the disease, options may be needed to improve the quality of vision in another patient. In some cases, the two goals may need to be addressed together at different stages. Therefore, it is important for patients to evaluate in detail with their physicians the purpose for which the method is recommended, what change in vision level can be expected, and whether the need for glasses or lenses will continue before the application. "

Screening Program Should Be Started in Turkey

 

 Showing as an example that children in some European and Far Eastern countries undergo keratoconus screening when they start primary school, Prof. Dr. Kubaloğlu made the following recommendations: "They perform corneal tomography scans in children. Because if you catch the child at that age, we can save the child's vision, that is, his life, with the cross-linking treatment we do. In other words, if an individual has a disability,