Keratoconus: overview and update on treatment.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Diseases
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, progressive corneal thinning disorder of unknown cause.
• It frequently results in significant myopia and astigmatism, affecting visual acuity.
• Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preserving vision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current diagnostic tools and management strategies for keratoconus.
• To highlight advancements in surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
• To discuss the future outlook for keratoconus management.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic technologies, including computer-assisted corneal topography.
• Analysis of conservative management approaches (spectacles, contact lenses).
• Evaluation of surgical interventions (corneal ring segments, phakic intraocular lenses) and corneal cross-linking.

Main Results:

• Computer-assisted corneal topography aids in diagnosing subclinical keratoconus and monitoring disease progression.
• Intrastromal corneal ring segments and phakic intraocular lenses can correct refractive errors and improve visual acuity.
• Corneal cross-linking effectively stiffens the cornea, halting disease progression.

Conclusions:

• Current management involves a spectrum of options from conservative to surgical interventions.
• Emerging treatments like corneal cross-linking offer new hope for halting keratoconus progression.
• Future management will likely integrate multiple modalities for comprehensive patient care.