Keratoconus

SERVICE DESCRIPTION

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Furlong vision correction ofers FDA approved corneal cross-linking treatment for  keratoconus patients

After a thorough clinical review and evaluation of the FDA approved Avedro KXL and Photrexa protocol for Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), Dr. Michael Furlong and Dr. Mona Sane are now offering this FDA approved CXL treatment to patients who have been diagnosed with progressive Keratoconus (KC) and Ectasia.

Diagnosis and testing is performed by Dr. Mona Sane and the procedure is offered in our clinic. Insurance coverage for the treatment is currently under review by most commercial insurance plans, however, Furlong Vision Correction will submit treatment pre-authorization requests to your insurance carrier for approval and reimbursement.  If you have been diagnosed with Keratoconus or suspect that you might have this condition, please contact our clinic at (408) 453-5600 to schedule an appointment for your consultation and testing.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive disease that causes the degeneration and weakening of the structure of the cornea – the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye. A non-inflammatory disease that worsens over time, Keratoconus causes the normally round, dome-shaped cornea to thin, resulting in a cone-like bulge and progressive loss of vision. Corneal abnormalities severely affect everyday tasks like driving, watching television and reading. Patients with severe Keratoconus are unable to recognize even very close objects without glasses. With glasses or contacts, they usually achieve much better vision. However, in advanced cases they may not improve their vision beyond 20/100 or 20/200.

Keratoconus Causes and Diagnosis

The cause of Keratoconus is unknown but the disease is believed to be hereditary and therefore present from birth as a defect in collagen, the tissue that makes up most of the cornea.

Keratoconus is not a common eye disease and has been estimated to occur in 1 out of every 1,000 persons worldwide with no known significant geographic, cultural or social pattern. Some experts believe the occurrence ratio may be even higher.

Some cases of Keratoconus are also associated with Down’s syndrome.

Keratoconus Symptoms

One of the first symptoms of Keratoconus is slightly blurred and distorted vision and increased sensitivity to light. Many with Keratoconus have a high degree of astigmatism and nearsightedness that worsens over time. Double vision, halos and glare are also symptoms of the disease.

While these symptoms are used in the diagnosis of Keratoconus, they may also indicate other vision problems. Keratoconus requires a diagnosis from a competent eye doctor or eye surgeon who is trained in not only recognizing the symptoms but also observing signs of Keratoconus through direct measurement as well as inspection of the cornea at a microscopic level. Typical vision problems with Keratoconus

Keratoconus usually reaches its most severe state in patients between the ages of 20 and 40.

Tests

Keratoconus is often discovered during adolescence. The most accurate test for the disease is corneal topography, which creates a map of the curve of the cornea. It can also be diagnosed with a slit-lamp examination of the cornea that uses a low-power microscope combined with a high-intensity light source.

As Keratoconus advances, the cornea thins at the point of the cone. Corneal pachymetry is a painless test that measures the thickness of the cornea.

Disease Progression

In the early stage, many with Keratoconus don’t know they have the disease until their vision has significantly deteriorated. Glasses or soft contact lenses may be used in mild cases to correct the nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, as the disease progresses and the cornea becomes steeper and more irregular, glasses and even soft contact lenses will not provide adequate vision correction.

At this point, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are generally prescribed to correct vision more adequately. The contact lenses must be carefully fitted and frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good vision. At this stage, the rigid lenses may be effective enough for the patient to drive and function normally, however, many patients find rigid contact lenses uncomfortable and can only tolerate them for a short period of time. Hybrid and scleral contact lenses are good options for moderate or severe Keratoconus

At the severe stage, a corneal transplant is the only option, especially when there is corneal scarring, extreme thinning or contact lens intolerance. This is an invasive surgical procedure that replaces the Keratoconic cornea with a healthy donor cornea. The healing time is lengthy and there is a risk of rejection as with any tissue transplant surgery.

Keratoconus Treatments

Keratoconus Treatment Options – Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) and Intacs

We offer FDA approved treatment.

Historically, there have been no options to slow the progression of Keratoconus. The primary treatment consisted of regular eye exams to adjust glasses and contact lens prescriptions. Properly-fitted hard contact lenses often provide the best attainable vision, but can be uncomfortable.

Furlong Vision Correction offers Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) and Intacs, as separate or combined procedures for eligible candidates. After a thorough clinical review and evaluation of the FDA approved Avedro KXL and Photrexa protocol for Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), Dr. Michael Furlong and Dr. Mona Sane are now offering CXL treatment to patients who have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus and ectasia. CXL is an exciting procedure that employs a biochemical reaction to strengthen the collagen fibers and prevent progression or worsening of Keratoconus. Learn more. Intacs are ring segments that are placed within the cornea to flatten it and create a more uniform surface for improved contact lens fitting. They may improve uncorrected and corrected vision and reduce astigmatism.

If you have been diagnosed with Keratoconus or feel you have symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. Sane to understand the options you have to improve your vision and lifestyle. Furlong Vision Correction will submit treatment pre-authorization requests to your insurance carrier for approval and reimbursement.  If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or suspect that you might have this condition, please contact our clinic at 1 (800) 573-1010 to schedule an appointment for your consultation and testing. 

“I chose to have Keratoconus treatment because I got a good recommendation and explanation from Dr. Furlong — a doctor I trust. He also explained why it was a good idea and why my vision might get worse if I didn’t have the surgery.”   Steve Wozniack – Apple co-founder

See more about Steve’s vision story: 

 “Successful corneal cross-linking procedure and great overall experience!”

“I was recommended to Furlong Vision Correction Medical Center by a friend who’s ophthalmologist said it was the best in the South Bay for corneal cross-linking. I have keratoconus diagnosed about 15 years ago which is particularly bad in my left eye. After a couple visits a few months apart with measurements to ascertain the severity and rate of worsening of my left eye, Dr. Sane recommended corneal cross-linking for my left eye.” Dennis Ramdass – Keratoconus patient, Yelp! reviewer

Read the entire Yelp! review.

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