Am I Suitable?

The irregularity of the corneal surface that develops with Keratoconus is what impacts quality of vision. In some cases we are able to use an excimer laser to reprofile the cornea prior to CXL. Advanced diagnostics allow us to very precisely map the topography of even very distorted corneas. This data is then transferred to the excimer laser and an ablation profile is created to normalise the asymmetry of the cornea.

In some cases the excimer laser can be further utilsed to correct refractive errors of the eye, thus leading to a significant improvement in the prescription.

Early diagnosis is the key here as unfortunately the longer the condition is left to worsen, the thinner one’s cornea becomes, the less scope there is for additional treatment options.

Corneal Ring Segment inserts or INTACs are another treatment option for patients suffering from Keratoconus. Very small curved clear plastic inserts are placed inside the cornea, helping to re-shape it. INTACs typically only partially correct the optical defect present so additional optical aids or surgery may be required to obtain a better correction.

The main disadvantage with Intacs are that they cannot prevent the cornea continuing to weaken and the patient may still require a corneal Graft in the future if the Keratoconus continues to progress.

RLE is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors.

It’s similar to cataract surgery and can be an excellent option for individuals with presbyopia or extreme hyperopia. RLE provides clear vision at various distances and reduces or eliminates the need for glasses.

IOL implantation may be the most appropriate solution for a minority of patients who may not be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, often due to extreme refractive error or unusual corneal findings.

During this procedure, a clear artificial lens is inserted into the eye, typically replacing the eye’s natural lens. IOLs can correct a range of vision problems, including short sightedness, long sightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia.

Our experienced surgeons at Accuvision assess your unique needs to determine the most suitable IOL type, ensuring enhanced vision and improved quality of life.

Cataracts are a common age-related condition that can significantly impact vision. If you’re experiencing cataracts and laser eye surgery isn’t an option, cataract surgery provides a dual benefit:

Not only does it remove the clouded natural lens affected by the cataract, but it also replaces it with a clear artificial lens, effectively correcting your vision.

The procedure is safe and effective, allowing you to regain clear vision and enjoy daily activities with improved clarity.

Ortho-K is a non-surgical method of vision correction that involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. It’s a reversible option and can be ideal for those who want to be free of daytime corrective lenses.

ICL is an implantable lens used to correct refractive errors, primarily myopia (nearsightedness). Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit on the eye’s surface, ICLs are surgically implanted within the eye, typically just behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.

ICLs work alongside the eye’s natural lens to focus light properly on the retina, providing clear vision. They are often used when LASIK or PRK may not be suitable, such as for individuals with high degrees of myopia.

Sometimes, simple lifestyle adjustments can enhance your vision and reduce the need for corrective lenses. These adjustments might include proper lighting, using magnifying devices for close-up tasks, and adopting good eye health practices to maintain overall visual comfort.

In some cases, a combination of the above options may be recommended to address unique vision challenges effectively. Our experienced team will work with you to create a personalised vision correction plan tailored to your needs and preferences.

Up until a few years ago, the only option for advanced cases of Keratoconus was corneal transplantation (Graft). During a transplant the disc of diseased corneal tissue is removed from the eye and it is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.

This operation could take one of two forms. A partial removal of the cornea called lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), or full removal called penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Only the outer layer of the cornea is removed and replaced during lamellar keratoplasty. It has many advantages, including early suture removal and decreased risk of rejection. It is more time consuming and requires much greater technical ability from the treating surgeon.

The entire cornea is removed and then replaced during penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The new corneal tissue is attached to the unaffected part of the original cornea with very fine sutures. This surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The whole procedure for one eye can take up to 90 minutes. Recovery from a corneal transplant can take up to a year or more. Rehabilitation usually involves spectacles and/or contact lenses, with on-going aftercare for many months following the operation.

Since the advent of Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL), the number of corneal transplantations performed due to Keratoconus has decreased significantly as so many more people are receiving Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL).