OUR SERVICES
Keratoconus
For those who’ve experienced it, a keratoconus diagnosis can be frightening — and many patients feel their early treatment suffered from a lack of understanding about the disease. Without proper treatment, vision can deteriorate quickly, reducing quality of life. The good news: you can ease much of that stress, and get more from your treatment, simply by understanding your options.
THE BASICS
UNDERSTANDING KERATOCONUS
Keratoconus is an eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, generally taking on the appearance of a cone. As light enters the eye, it becomes distorted by the cone, causing vision abnormalities.
Modern research links keratoconus to an enzyme imbalance in the cornea, which leaves the eye susceptible to oxidative free radicals. It has also been associated with several everyday factors.
Linked Factors:
The cone distorts incoming light, blurring and warping vision.
OUR TREATMENTS
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Your eye care professional will know which option is best for you. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled ten of the most common keratoconus treatments below.
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PROCEDURE 01
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
There are two types of this procedure, but both introduce riboflavin to the cornea to strengthen the corneal tissue and stop the bulging from progressing.
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CONTACT LENS 02
Custom Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contacts are generally more comfortable than gas permeable lenses. Some companies now make soft lenses designed specifically to correct mild and moderate keratoconus.
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CONTACT LENS 03
Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
A hard contact lens that physically forces the eye to adhere to the lens shape, correcting keratoconus. The fit is often time-consuming and may take several lenses to get right.
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CONTACT LENS 04
Piggybacking Contact Lenses
For those who need a gas permeable lens but can't tolerate rigid contacts. A soft lens is placed first, then a gas permeable lens over the top — combining the comfort of soft contacts with the rigidity and clarity of gas permeable.
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CONTACT LENS 05
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Designed specifically for keratoconus, hybrid lenses blend a rigid contact-lens center with a softer edge, or skirt.
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CONTACT LENS 06
Scleral & Semi-Scleral Lenses
Gas permeable lenses that cover a larger area of the eye than a standard rigid lens. Because they don't press on the cone, they offer a more comfortable fit.
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CONTACT LENS 07
Prosthetic Lenses
Used for very advanced keratoconus when other options have been ruled out. This advanced scleral lens also doubles as a protective prosthetic shell. Special requirements apply, so check with your eye care professional.
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SURGICAL 08
Intacs
Small plastic inserts surgically placed just under the eye's surface. This option is designed for patients who couldn't use other contact lens types.
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CONTACT LENS 09
Topography-Guided Conductive Keratoplasty
Still being researched, this treatment uses energy from radio waves and small probes to map the surface of the eye, allowing for a treatment plan tailored to the patient.
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SURGICAL 10
Corneal Transplant
For advanced keratoconus, when lenses can no longer be tolerated or no longer correct the problem. This surgery removes the damaged cornea and replaces it with a healthy one.
This overview is for general education. Your eye care professional will help determine the treatment plan that’s right for you.
A Diagnosis Isn't the End of Clear Vision
Even though keratoconus is degenerative, many patients report restored vision and an improved quality of life once the right treatment plan is in place. If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus — or are noticing problems with your vision — see your eye care professional today.
WHAT FAMILIES SAY
We value our patients’ experience at Lake Lanier Eye Care. We’re proud to have received over one hundred five-star reviews — read success stories from all over Sugar Hill, Cumming, Buford, and Suwanee.
“I have been a patient of Lake Lanier eye care for many years and they provide top notch eye care and premium service. The office is pleasant and the staff is very helpful. I would recommend them to all who need an eye exam and other eye care services.”
Chuck A.
“I had the best experience at Lake Lanier Eyecare! I was immediately greeted by two friendly ladies who went over my benefits and cost for the day, and it was only a moment before I was taken back to start my eye exam. Everything was explained to me fully while it was being done. It was my first time seeing Dr. Black and he was thorough, patient and answered all my questions. Great service with a personality! 100% recommend!”
Kayla S.
“Great experience. Everyone from the front desk staff to everyone in the back doing tests are professional and friendly. Dr. Black made sure to find the perfect fit for my contact’s. He listen to every issue I had and addressed it.
This is a must come to place for your eye problems. Happy I made the switch.”
James C.
“What a fantastic experience. Everyone here is friendly, and professional. Dr. Kapoor was a wealth of knowledge. My daughter and I went together, both with different issues, and he took the time to answer our questions. From the front desk to the selection of glasses, to the picking up of our classes was 5/5. Every touch point was easy. The atmosphere is light and cheery.”
Anne M.