Keratoconus
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a treatable corneal condition that occurs when the cornea thins and begins to bulge. This condition typically begins to show around puberty with symptoms such as blurred vision and light sensitivity. Our technology allows us to quickly and accurately diagnose keratoconus or any other condition affecting your vision.
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Keratoconus and Children
Because keratoconus typically starts to become evident in puberty and teen years, it is best to be mindful of changes to your child's vision so that your doctor can address them as soon as possible. Something as simple as excessive eye rubbing can be a sign that your child has keratoconus.
Keratoconus is a progressive disease, and if left untreated, it can result in loss of vision. This is especially true for pediatric patients since the disease has more time to cause damage to the cornea. If you think your child is experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, or they have any other changes in vision, call our Providence practice to schedule an exam.
Providence, RI, Loves Galler Eyecare Associates 5-Star Reviews
Brenda Greene
Dr. Galler has been my eye surgeon for the past eight years. He and his staff are highly professional. It's a busy office because he is such a highly regarded eye surgeon. Like anyone facing a new type of surgery, especially the eye (where you are conscious), I had anxiety the first time. Afterward, I realized that I had no reason to feel that way and am not worried at all about my next procedure. I'm very thankful that my optometrist referred me to him.
View On GoogleCauses and Risk Factors
The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown. However, several factors are thought to increase your risk of developing keratoconus, including:
Family History
You are at a higher risk of developing keratoconus if you have a family member with the condition. About 10% of people with a family member who suffers from keratoconus develop the condition themselves.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as Down Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may increase your risk.
Eye Irritations
Eye irritations can cause eye rubbing, which can break down the corneal tissue and lead to keratoconus.
Allergies
Allergies can lead to inflammation of the eyes which can affect the cornea and lead to keratoconus.
What Are Scleral Lenses?
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Because the cornea shape changes with the development of keratoconus, traditional contact lenses may not be as effective due to the eye shape and how the contact lenses sit on the eye. Scleral lenses differ from soft or hard contact lenses in that they sit on the white part of your eye (sclera) rather than the cornea, which makes them more effective for keratoconus treatment.
Cross-Linking Treatment
For patients who have mild to moderate keratoconus and do not respond to other treatments, our Providence office provides cross-linking treatment. Cross-linking is an option to help stop the progression of keratoconus and preserve your vision. This treatment cannot reverse the changes that have already occurred, but it can help prevent further changes from occurring. There are three steps involved with cross-linking treatment:
Vitamin B Solution
A vitamin B solution is applied to your eye.
Ultraviolet Light
Your doctor will activate the solution using ultraviolet light. This lasts around 30 minutes.
Collagen Bonds Reform
Collagen bonds form to strengthen the eye and prevent further corneal bulging. Over time, this process results in a strengthened cornea and improved vision. It can take up to a year for your vision to fully stabilize after this treatment.
Corneal Transplant Process
This corneal procedure is an outpatient surgery. In general, you can expect:
Day of Procedure
Have more questions about the process? Send us a message.
A Closer Look at Corneal Transplant Surgery
During corneal transplant surgery, the compromised cornea is removed and replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue.
Insurance and Financing
At Galler Eyecare Associates in Providence, RI, we accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. We will work with your insurance to help you secure coverage for as much of your keratoconus treatment as possible. For those without insurance, or those who have out-of-pocket costs, we offer financing options. Call our Providence office to learn more.
What Rhode Island Patients Say About Galler Eyecare Associates
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Dr. Galler did my lasik surgery on one eye in 1998. I still have perfect vision in it. He is meticulous and the only person I would trust my eyes to. I don't understand the negative reviews here which seem to be more about the staffing than the doctor himself. If you want to put your eyes in the hands of an extreme professional who is highly skilled and Knowledgeable, he's the doctor for you.
Experiencing Symptoms?
Don't wait. Call our Providence, RI, office today.
These symptoms of keratoconus may seem minor, but they can have serious ramifications. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can control the progression of the disease and preserve your vision. Dr. Ezra L. Galler and Dr. Brett Zerbinopoulos can accurately treat and diagnose keratoconus and other eye issues in one convenient location. The sooner you seek treatment, the better. Don't risk your vision. If you experience sudden changes in your vision or other unusual symptoms such as light sensitivity, contact us online or call our Providence office to see one of our doctors as soon as possible.
