Keratoconus
Have you noticed that your cornea is a different shape than the slight curve of contact lenses? Are you noticing changes in your vision?
You may have a condition called keratoconus that can be treated with specialized treatment at our Erie, PA, office.
Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie has a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, ideal for treating keratoconus.
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge. When the cornea changes shape, it affects how light enters the eye and consequently distorts vision.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Symptoms of keratoconus typically begin to show up in the patient's late teens to early twenties. The condition will slowly progress over the following years, and symptoms will typically worsen. The most distinctive symptom of keratoconus is the gradual bulging of the cornea into a cone, but other symptoms may present themselves, such as:
- Mild blurring
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Eye swelling
- Distortion of straight lines
- Nearsightedness and astigmatism
If you've noticed these symptoms affecting your vision, contact our office in Erie, PA:
Our Doctors Are Cornea Specialists
Emily Washek, DO, is a cornea fellowship-trained doctor, giving her a trained eye to detect and treat corneal diseases. Ravinder Sabherwal, OD, specializes in the fitting of contact lenses for keratoconus. They work alongside Howard M. Levin, MD, and Vincent M. Imbrogno, DO, who are board-certified ophthalmologists in the Erie area who specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of eye conditions.
Together, our team of doctors is well-equipped to provide you with treatment for keratoconus.
Diagnosing Keratoconus Is Simple
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Our doctors can often diagnose keratoconus during a routine eye exam at our Erie, PA, office by measuring the curve and thickness of your cornea. From there, they can recommend treatment based on your needs and the severity of your condition.
Various Treatment Options Are Available
Treatment for keratoconus aims to ease the symptoms of the condition. The treatment our doctors will recommend may involve:
Glasses and Contact Lenses
Patients with mild keratoconus can often manage changes to their vision with glasses or soft contact lenses alone; however, as the condition progresses, standard contact lenses will no longer fit comfortably on the eye, and other treatments may need to be used.
Custom Soft Contact Lenses
Custom contact lenses are designed for the specific curvature of your eye to correct your vision comfortably.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
These lenses are hard and better at maintaining their shape and position on the eye than soft contact lenses.
Corneal Cross Linking
Cross-linking treatment uses riboflavin drops and UV light to strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea and halt the progression of corneal thinning.
Intacs
These small, curved devices flatten the curve of your cornea.
Corneal Transplant
Surgery is not typically necessary, but in severe cases of keratoconus, a corneal transplant can restore your vision.
"Enough of the chain places... head here." 5-Star Reviews From Erie, PA, Patients
Pat Comer
2022
An amazing team, communication is first rate, care was first rate and the doctor was very thorough great communications skills for sure! Enough of the chain places ....... head here
View on GoogleWinona
2020
After living in 6 states and 4 countries I can say this is the best place I've ever gone for eye care. Everyone on staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. They genuinely care about you and want to keep your eyes healthy
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