What Is Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted and blurred vision. This irregular curvature affects how light enters the eye, leading to symptoms such as glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing clearly at all distances.

While keratoconus often begins in the teenage years or early adulthood, its severity can vary from mild to advanced. The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetic factors, eye rubbing, and certain environmental influences may contribute to its development. Early detection and treatment, such as specialised contact lenses or corneal cross-linking, can help slow progression and improve vision.

Keratoconus visual

Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) is a proven treatment designed to halt the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the cornea. The procedure involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops to the cornea, followed by controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This combination stimulates the formation of new cross-links between collagen fibres, reinforcing the structure of the cornea and preventing further thinning or bulging.

Recovery and Long-Term Benefits

Following the procedure, a protective contact lens is placed over the eye to support healing and reduce discomfort. Patients may experience mild irritation or light sensitivity in the first few days, with visual stability improving gradually over several weeks to months. While Corneal Cross-Linking does not reverse keratoconus, it is highly effective at slowing or stopping its progression, helping to preserve vision in the future.

Keratoconus Treatment Steps

In the early stages of keratoconus, glasses can help correct vision by compensating for mild corneal irregularities. However, as the condition progresses, hard contact lenses may become necessary to provide better visual clarity and maintain corneal shape when glasses are no longer sufficient.

If contact lenses become intolerable or ineffective, the implantation of corneal rings (intrastromal ring segments) can help stabilize the cornea and reduce its irregular shape. For patients with progressing keratoconus, corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a key treatment used to strengthen and stiffen the cornea, slowing or stopping further protrusion.

In advanced cases where other treatments are no longer effective, a corneal transplant may be required to restore vision. This procedure replaces the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea, offering long-term visual improvement when laser vision correction like LASIK is not a viable option.

Step 1

Creating the Tunnel

A precise corneal tunnel is created to accommodate the ring implant. At Fadi Kherdaji Eye Clinic, we use femtosecond laser technology—the same advanced technique used in Femto-LASIK—to ensure high precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue, completing the incision in just a few seconds.

Step 2

Implanting the Corneal Ring

The corneal ring segment is then carefully inserted into the prepared tunnel. Our expert surgeons meticulously position the ring to ensure optimal support and alignment, helping reshape the cornea for improved vision.

Step 3

keratoconus treatment step 3
Stabilising & Reshaping the Cornea

Once in place, the corneal ring segments gently adjust the shape of the cornea, reducing its irregularity and flattening the cone-like protrusion caused by keratoconus. This procedure enhances corneal stability, improves visual clarity, and can delay or even prevent the need for a corneal transplant.

Who Is Keratoconus Treatment For?

Keratoconus typically develops in teenagers and young adults, usually appearing between the ages of 10 and 25. The condition causes the cornea to gradually thin and bulge, leading to distorted, blurry vision, increased light sensitivity, and difficulty with daily tasks.

Before treatment, many patients struggled with everyday activities such as reading, driving at night, and using digital screens, often relying on rigid contact lenses to see clearly. However, with modern treatments like corneal cross-linking, ring implants, and advanced lens procedures, patients can experience improved vision stability, reduced light sensitivity, and a more regular corneal shape.

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Real Stories From Our Keratoconus Patients

Countless patients in Cheltenham and beyond have transformed their vision with our Keratoconus treatments. Read real stories from those who have embraced the benefits of vision correction with Fadi Kherdaji.

“For years, I struggled with blurry vision and extreme light sensitivity due to keratoconus. Contact lenses became unbearable, and driving at night was a nightmare. After undergoing corneal cross-linking, my vision is more stable, and I no longer struggle with glare. It’s been life-changing!”

James R. / Pontyclun

“I was diagnosed with keratoconus in my early 20s, and it was devastating. I relied on rigid contact lenses, which were uncomfortable and didn’t always help. After having corneal ring implants, my vision has improved dramatically—I can finally enjoy reading and working without constant discomfort!”

Megan L. / Llandeilo

“As a football coach, my vision was getting worse every year, and glasses weren’t helping. After my keratoconus treatment, I can now focus clearly on the pitch, follow the ball, and coach without struggling to see. I feel like I’ve got my sight back!”

Daniel T. / Abergavenny

“I used to avoid social events because of my poor vision and sensitivity to light. After my corneal cross-linking and customised lenses, I can go out confidently without worrying about headaches or blurry vision. I wish I had done this sooner!”

Sian P. / Tenby

“I work in carpentry, so clear vision is essential. My keratoconus made it impossible to focus on details, and I worried about making mistakes. After receiving treatment, I can now see clearly, work safely, and enjoy my craft without limitations!”

Gareth W. / Caerphilly

“Keratoconus made university life incredibly difficult—I struggled to read lecture slides and had constant eye strain. Since having my vision corrected, my focus is sharper, and I can now study and use my laptop without any issues. The difference is incredible!”

Bethan J. / Aberystwyth

FAQs About Keratoconus

We’ve gathered the most important Keratoconus FAQs—covering everything from its causes and symptoms to the best treatment options available. Find out why so many patients in Cheltenham and South Wales are choosing advanced vision correction for clearer life changing sight!

Early signs of keratoconus include blurred or distorted vision, increased light sensitivity, difficulty seeing at night, and frequent changes in prescription glasses. If you experience these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam can confirm the condition.

Yes, keratoconus is a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen if left untreated. Early intervention with treatments like corneal cross-linking can help stabilize the cornea and slow progression.

While the exact cause is unknown, genetics play a role, and keratoconus can run in families. If a close relative has the condition, it’s important to have regular eye checkups for early detection.

Excessive eye rubbing has been linked to the worsening of keratoconus, as it can weaken the cornea over time. People with allergies or chronic dry eyes should avoid rubbing and seek treatment for irritation instead.

In the early stages, keratoconus can be managed with glasses or specialised contact lenses. However, as the condition progresses, treatments like corneal cross-linking, ring implants, or lens implants may be necessary.

Corneal cross-linking is designed to stabilise the cornea, not immediately improve vision. Most patients experience reduced progression within a few months, but vision can take several weeks to fully adjust.

Many patients with keratoconus struggle with glare and halos around lights, making night driving difficult. After treatment, visual clarity improves, and many patients report greater confidence when driving at night.

This depends on the severity of keratoconus and the treatment used. Some patients achieve significant vision improvement, while others may still need glasses or custom contact lenses for fine-tuned clarity.

Coverage varies by provider and treatment type. Some insurance plans may cover corneal cross-linking or transplants, while others consider certain procedures elective. It’s best to check with your provider or discuss financing options with our clinic.

Yes! Once vision stabilises, most patients can return to sports, outdoor activities, and fitness without the discomfort of poor vision or rigid contact lenses. Protective eyewear may still be recommended for contact sports.