LASIK and Keratoconus

Keratoconus, the eye condition that causes the normally round-shaped cornea to distort and bulge, eventually makes corneal changes so drastic that only eyeglasses or contact lenses can correct them. Keratoconus cannot be treated with LASIK or any other refractive surgery, and while the condition will not lead to blindness, it may become so serious that a cornea transplant becomes necessary.

The symptoms associated with keratoconus include light sensitivity or glare and distorted vision. Once the cornea thins and shapes even more, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may cease to correct these problems. The next step is rigid gas permeable lenses, which hold the cornea in place better than soft lenses. The final alternative is a transplant, called a penetrating keratoplasty. Following the cornea transplant, the use of glasses or contacts will still be likely.

It can be dangerous for anyone with even a slight amount of keratoconus to have any kind of laser vision correction surgery, including LASIK and PRK. It is important that anyone considering this surgery has his or her corneal curvature measured before receiving laser surgery for treatment of any other vision problem.

For more information on LASIK and keratoconus, please contact us. Select your state below for a consultation.