Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of your condition and how quickly the condition is progressing. The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and to improve your vision.

Glasses and Contacts

In the early stages of keratoconus, your vision can often be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.

As keratoconus progresses, specially fitted contacts might be needed to provide better vision. These lenses include gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses or scleral lenses.

Scleral Contact Lenses

For most people with keratoconus, a scleral lens is the best treatment option for better vision.  A scleral lens is a large diameter gas permeable lens that covers the entire cornea and sits on the less sensitive part of the eye called the sclera. This design provides a smooth refracting surface and minimizes discomfort by reducing pressure on the cornea.

Scleral lenses also have a fluid layer that helps keep the eye hydrated.  The fluid layer also works to smooth out any irregularities in the shape of the cornea which helps improve vision.

Corneal Cross-Linking

Corneal cross-linking is a procedure that is very effective in slowing the progression of keratoconus.  During the procedure, the cornea is saturated with riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and treated with ultraviolet light. This physically hardens the cornea which helps prevent further changes in its shape. 

Intacs

Intacs are small plastic arcs that are inserted into the eye. Intacs flatten the cone shape of the cornea with keratoconus, bringing it closer to its original shape. Intacs will improve vision but, many times, you will still need glasses or contacts for clear vision.

Corneal Transplant

In a few people with keratoconus, the cornea will eventually become too scarred or wearing contact lenses will become too difficult.  In these people, corneal transplant surgery may be needed.