Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that affects the shape and clarity of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Normally, the cornea is rounded and dome like, but with keratoconus, it can become thin in places and bulges into a cone-like shape. This distortion causes blurred or distorted vision, making it difficult to see clearly even with corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses. In its advanced stages, left untreated, keratoconus can lead to severe vision impairment, requiring more invasive treatments such as corneal grafts.

At Vision Care Clinic, we understand how challenging it can be to manage keratoconus progression and its effects on vision. That’s why we’re proud to offer the latest, proven CAIRS procedure, a treatment for this eye disorder, which can work alongside more traditional treatments like cross-linking and customised laser treatments. This innovative procedure provides hope for individuals struggling with keratoconus and can delay or even prevent the need for corneal transplant surgery.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus typically develops during the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress slowly over time. As the cornea weakens and becomes more irregular in shape, it causes light to scatter as it enters the eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision, even while using glasses or contact lenses. People with keratoconus may also experience increased sensitivity to light and glare, as well as frequent changes in prescription glasses or contacts. The severity of keratoconus can vary, and in some cases, the condition can progress to the point where a corneal transplant (graft) becomes necessary.

Traditional Treatments for Keratoconus

Historically, patients with keratoconus have been treated with a variety of options, depending on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate cases, glasses or specialist contact lenses can help improve vision. In more advanced cases, corneal cross-linking has become a popular treatment. This procedure involves applying riboflavin (a vitamin B2) to the cornea and then exposing it to ultraviolet (UV) light, which strengthens the corneal tissue and helps stop or slow the progression of keratoconus.

However, when these options are no longer effective, or the condition has progressed to the point of significant vision loss, corneal graft surgery may be required. A corneal graft involves replacing the damaged cornea with a donor cornea. While successful, this surgery can come with longer recovery times and risks of complications.

The CAIRS Procedure: A Revolutionary Option for Keratoconus

At Vision Care Clinic, we offer the CAIRS Procedure as an innovative treatment for keratoconus. The Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS) procedure is one of the latest advancements in treating keratoconus and is performed using donor corneal tissue that is processed and shaped into either rings or arcs. These segments are then carefully inserted into the recipient cornea to help flatten and regularise its surface, improving the overall shape and function of the cornea.

The CAIRS procedure is minimally invasive, performed in a clean room environment with topical anaesthetic eye drops, and is entirely reversible. By introducing donor tissue into the cornea, it provides a more natural alternative to previously used plastic implants, offering greater biocompatibility and comfort. Patients who undergo the CAIRS procedure report fewer issues with halos or glare around lights, particularly at night, a common side effect of traditional treatments.

Benefits of the CAIRS Procedure

1. Improved Vision: By flattening and reshaping the cornea, the CAIRS procedure can significantly enhance vision, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.
2. Delays or Prevents Corneal Grafts: For many patients, the CAIRS procedure can delay or even prevent the need for corneal transplant surgery, offering a more conservative, non-invasive option.
3. Enhanced Comfort: Unlike plastic implants, donor tissue used in the CAIRS procedure offers better biocompatibility, meaning more comfortable eyes with fewer side effects.
4. Reversible: If necessary, the CAIRS procedure is reversible, which is a unique benefit that offers peace of mind to patients.
5. Potential Pathway to Laser Surgery: For patients interested in laser eye surgery to further enhance their vision, the CAIRS procedure can act as a bridge, preparing the cornea for laser treatment.

Keratoconus can significantly affect your quality of life, but with advances in treatments like the CAIRS procedure, there are more options than ever before to manage and improve vision. At Vision Care Clinic, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art care for patients with keratoconus, and the CAIRS procedure is just one of the ways we can help restore your vision. Book your comprehensive consultation today to discover your keratoconus treatment.