Keratoconus Treatment in Nashville, TN

Keratoconus is a degenerative disease that leads to structural changes within the corneal tissue. This progressive condition results in the thinning and weakening of the cornea, which eventually causes it to deform and adapt a cone-like shape. When the cornea's shape has altered enough, it fails to allow light to focus properly on the retina and thereby impairing the patient's vision. In its more advanced stages, keratoconus could result in irreversible corneal deterioration.

To treat your keratoconus and improve your eye health, our highly trained eye surgeons at Wang Vision Institute are always on the leading edge of the latest developments in the optical industry. With an impressive register of advanced technologies and innovative techniques, we can diagnose, manage, and treat your condition and restore your clear, seamless vision. Contact our Nashville, TN practice to schedule your comprehensive eye examination and receive care from leaders in the field of vision. 

This corneal condition is known to develop early on in a person's life and may progress gradually over time. In most instances, keratoconus is left undiagnosed until obvious signs or symptoms begin to manifest. The symptoms that are most often reported for keratoconus include:

• Progressive loss of distance vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Irregular astigmatism
• Blurred, cloudy, or skewed vision
• Frequent eyeglass prescription changes

Since many of these signs can be present in other eye diseases and disorders, it's important to have keratoconus diagnosed by a professional eye surgeon or specialist.

Risk factors for keratoconus include a family history of the condition, suggesting a genetic predisposition. It is also more common in individuals with certain systemic conditions, such as Down syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Frequent eye rubbing, particularly in those with allergies or asthma, can exacerbate the condition. Keratoconus typically begins during puberty and progresses into the 30s, with the risk of worsening being higher in younger patients. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent significant vision impairment.

In the majority of cases, keratoconus develops as a result of hereditary factors. However, this condition may also be brought on by different factors, such as excessive exposure to UV light, an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea, chronic eye inflammation, or issues following eye surgery. It may also be brought on by certain habits, like using poorly fitted contacts for extended amounts of time or disturbing the eyes with excessive rubbing.

Wang Vision Institute was the first in the state to perform Intacs and the first in the U.S. to perform Intacs for advanced keratoconus. Wang Vision Institute was also one of the U.S. FDA clinical trial centers for cross-linking and was the first in the state to perform cross-linking. In the past, surgical treatment for keratoconus was limited to a corneal transplant. However, contemporary treatment for keratoconus allows our surgeons to stabilize your condition without removing and replacing the entire cornea. At Wang Vision Institute, our eye surgeons have a comprehensive knowledge of the most advanced treatments for keratoconus at any stage of the condition. The majority of patients who are in an early phase of the disorder may achieve clear vision with prescription lenses or contacts. However, when keratoconus progresses further, these may no longer be effective. Thankfully, our esteemed Nashville, TN office performs a range of solutions to restore or maintain your clear vision, such as:

• Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): Corneal cross-linking, also called UV riboflavin CXL, is an outpatient surgery that is virtually painless. This procedure incorporates riboflavin eye drops (or Vitamin B2) in conjunction with UV light to encourage the development of collagen cross-links within the affected corneal tissue. It's often thought that the regeneration of collagen links enhances the corneal tissue, which prevents the cornea from becoming misshapen and oblong.
• Intacs® Corneal Implants: Intacs are very small, crescent-shaped rings that are implanted into the stoma (the outer edge of the cornea). The placement of the implants is intended to restructure the shape of the cornea, improving your vision without needing to take away any corneal tissue. Along with being used to address keratoconus, they may also be utilized to treat myopia. Our leading eye surgeon, Harvard and MIT graduate Dr. Ming Wang, performed the country's first expanded-range Intacs procedure for later-stage keratoconus.

To diagnose keratoconus, our team will first need to review your own personal and family medical histories. In addition, we'll perform a brief examination of your eye. If this exam leads us to believe you may have keratoconus, we'll recommend a more in-depth test, such as an eye refraction test, slit-lamp examination, keratometry, or computerized corneal mapping. These tests will give us a better indication of the curvature of your eyeball, allowing us to more accurately diagnose keratoconus.

Can keratoconus lead to vision loss?
Yes. Keratoconus can cause vision loss that may become permanent. If you suspect that you have keratoconus, it is important to schedule a consultation as soon as possible in order to preserve your vision.

How do I know which keratoconus treatment is right for me?
The exact treatment that is ideal for you can vary depending on the severity of your condition. At Wang Vision Institute, we will evaluate the current condition of your eyes in order to create an ideal treatment plan for you. Both corneal-cross linking and Intacs® corneal implant treatments are available in more progressed keratoconus.

What happens if keratoconus is not treated?
If not treated, keratoconus can lead to permanent vision loss. Additionally, you may need a more invasive treatment option in order to help correct the condition. At the onset of symptoms, you should schedule a consultation with our Nashville, TN, eye care professionals in order to receive a thorough evaluation.

Is keratoconus hereditary?

Keratoconus has a genetic component, meaning it can run in families. If you have a family history of keratoconus, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Regular eye exams are important for early detection, especially if you have a genetic predisposition.

Can keratoconus be cured?

While there is no cure for keratoconus, treatments such as corneal cross-linking, Intacs, and corneal transplants can effectively manage the condition and prevent further progression. With the right treatment plan, most patients can maintain good vision and lead normal lives.

Why choose Wang Vision Institute for keratoconus treatment?

Our practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus, offering advanced diagnostic tools and a wide range of treatment options, from nonsurgical solutions to cutting-edge surgical procedures like corneal cross-linking. With our personalized approach to care, we are committed to helping each patient manage keratoconus and preserve their vision.

Even though keratoconus may result in vision loss or even blindness when left undiagnosed, this condition can be simply and efficiently treated by a skilled eye surgeon who has years of experience in specialized optical care. If you've been diagnosed with keratoconus or are experiencing any of the signs of the condition, we encourage you to get in touch with our Nashville, TN eye center at your earliest convenience. Our team of skilled eye surgeons at Wang Vision Institute works day-in and day-out to provide men and women with accurate diagnoses and effective treatments to improve their overall eye health.