Can I do LASIK if I have keratoconus?

Because keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disease that causes thinning of the cornea and leads to unpredictable and irregular changes in the shape of the front surface of the eye, LASIK generally is not recommended for anyone with keratoconus.

Can you get LASIK after cross-linking?

When CXL is combined with LASIK, the refractive correction should remain stable over time, and post-LASIK ectasia may be prevented. Moreover, due to the increased stability of the postoperative result, patients who would normally be excluded from LASIK—those with a higher risk of ectasia—can be treated.

Can keratoconus be treated by laser surgery?

Laser eye surgery by itself is not possible in people with keratoconus because laser surgery removes corneal tissue and thins the cornea, resulting in further weakening and potentially exacerbating the keratoconus.

Do Intacs work for keratoconus?

Intacs can be very effective at changing the shape of the cornea and flattening the cone caused by keratoconus. But the Intacs procedure cannot halt the progression of keratoconus caused by weakening of the collagen (structural protein) within the corneal tissue.

Does LASIK weaken cornea?

Corneal transplant: LASIK permanently thins and thereby weakens the cornea. This can lead to the need for a cornea transplant, despite a LASIK surgery being deemed “successful”.

Can people with keratoconus get PRK?

Keratoconus is a contraindication for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In the recent decade, some efforts have been made to perform PRK in patients with keratoconus whose corneas are stable naturally or by doing corneal collagen crosslinking.

Does LASIK weaken the cornea?

Corneal transplant: LASIK permanently thins and thereby weakens the cornea. This can lead to the need for a cornea transplant, despite a LASIK surgery being deemed “successful”. Corneal flap dislocation: The corneal flap is altered during every LASIK surgery.

Can PRK fix keratoconus?

Cross-linking can halt the disease progression, intrastromal corneal ring segments can improve the corneal shape and hence the visual quality and reduce the refractive error, PRK can correct mild-moderate refractive error, and intraocular lenses can correct from low to high refractive error associated with keratoconus.

How much are Intacs for keratoconus?

Cost of Intacs® for Keratoconus The cost of Intacs® is typically around $2,000 per eye, less than the cost of a corneal transplant. Intacs® inserts are also far less invasive. An ophthalmologist will fully discuss your eye care with you in order to determine the cost of Intacs® for your keratoconus treatment.

What are Intrastromal rings made of?

Intrastromal corneal ring segments are small, crescent-shaped plastic rings that are placed in the deep, peripheral corneal stroma in order to flatten the cornea. They are made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

Why you should not do LASIK?

Some risks of laser eye surgery are: Permanent dry eye. Halos, glare, or double vision, making it hard to drive at night. Over- or under-correction of vision, meaning you still need glasses or contacts.