Can I get LASIK with keratoconus?

If you are reading this blog post, chances are you are considering LASIK surgery for your vision correction needs. LASIK is a popular refractive surgery procedure that has helped millions of people¹https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001209206615470 achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, if you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, you may be wondering if LASIK is still an option for you. In this blog post, we will discuss whether LASIK is a safe and effective option for individuals with keratoconus.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape of your cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This results in blurry and distorted vision and can be quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, LASIK is not a viable option for people with keratoconus. This is because the procedure involves reshaping the cornea by removing a small layer of tissue. For people with keratoconus, the cornea is already thin and weak, and removing any more tissue can lead to further damage to the cornea and worsen the condition.

ICL surgery for stable keratoconus

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, LASIK surgery may not be a viable option for you. However, there is another type of surgery that can provide vision correction in such cases. Implantable contact lens(ICL) surgery involves placing a small, biocompatible lens between the iris and the natural lens of the eye to improve your vision. The lens is custom-made to fit your eye shape and prescription. Once in place, the ICL works with the natural lens of your eye to provide clear vision. ICL surgery is a safe and effective procedure if you have a mild case of keratoconus, as it does not require the reshaping of the cornea as LASIK does²https://eyemountain.com/icl-for-keratoconus/. However, you must have already been treated with cross-linking to qualify for ICL.

Corneal cross-linking is an effective alternative

Cross-linking, also known as Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), is a non-surgical procedure that involves using a combination of riboflavin drops and ultraviolet light to strengthen your cornea and prevent it from bulging further. CXL has been shown to be very effective in halting the progression of keratoconus and improving visual acuity for patients.

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus and are considering vision correction surgery, make sure to speak with our eye doctor about your options. We can help determine which procedure is right for you based on the severity of your keratoconus and other factors such as age and corneal thickness. With the right procedure, you can achieve clear vision and improve your quality of life. To find out more about treatment for keratoconus, book a free assessment with us.