Posted by: Mann Eye in Eye Health

See Life Better at Mann Eye Institute

When Tiana was diagnosed with keratoconus, she didn’t even know what it was. And she’s not alone. Most people haven’t heard of this rare eye condition that causes blurry and distorted vision along with increased sensitivity to light. Thankfully for Tiana, at Mann Eye Institute, we not only know about this condition, but we are also skilled in the most advanced treatments for managing this degenerative eye condition.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision. Keratoconus typically first appears during the teenage years and can continue into adulthood. It gradually worsens with time.

In its earliest stages, vision can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. But more advanced cases of keratoconus may require specialty contact lenses (rigid gas permeable lenses or scleral lenses) and, eventually, surgical treatment. This is where the expert board-certified ophthalmologists at Mann Eye Institute come in.

What Causes Keratoconus?

Environmental and genetic factors are considered possible causes, but the exact reason the cornea begins to bulge is uncertain. The cornea of the eye is composed of tiny fibers of proteins called collagen. In someone with keratoconus, those fibers become weak, and they are no longer able to hold the normal cornea curvature. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea becomes increasingly irregular in shape, bulging outward.

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

This advanced treatment is designed to stop the progression of keratoconus, preventing further deterioration in vision. The treatment received FDA approval in 2016 and has quickly become the desired, first-line treatment for halting the progression of the disease and possibly avoiding a future corneal transplant.

“Corneal crosslinking gives our patients a much-needed option to treat this debilitating disease. Anyone suffering from progressive keratoconus can now receive a therapeutic treatment that has been thoroughly tested and approved and is showing great promise.”

Dr. Mike Mann, board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Mann Eye Institute

During this minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, you will be awake but under light sedation. Custom-made riboflavin drops are carefully applied to the cornea, which is then activated by ultraviolet light. This process has been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to strengthen and stabilize the cornea by creating new links between collagen fibers within the cornea.

“I had crosslinking surgery two days ago, and the Mann Eye staff was so amazing and patient with me. My doctor talked to me the whole time and made me feel so comfortable.
Any questions I had, she answered. Even when she’d already told me something and I didn’t understand, she explained it again to make sure I did. I was so nervous about this surgery, especially since I have to come back for my other eye, but I’m much more confident now. Everything was a breeze! Mann Eye literally deserves 10 stars!
From the people who check you in to the counselor and doctors, everyone was amazing.”

Tiana B., corneal cross-linking patient

See Life Better

We were so delighted to be able to offer Tiana this advanced treatment to halt the progression of her keratoconus. Whether performing comprehensive eye exams, correcting vision with Advanced LASIK or eliminating cataracts with modern cataract surgery, our goal at Mann Eye Institute is for every patient we serve to See Life Better with the vision they deserve. If we may serve you at this time, schedule an appointment today.