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Keratoconus Treatment in Melbourne, FL

Also serving Merritt Island & Suntree

Keratoconus is caused when the cornea begins to develop into a cone-shape. This eye disease is progressive and has no cure. However, there are treatments in place to help manage the disease, including surgeries and cross-linking therapies.

KERATOCONUS Symptoms

If you have keratoconus, you may see signs of the following:

Squinting
Poor Vision
Light Sensitivity
Light Sensitivity
Blurry Vision
Blurry Vision
Distorted Vision
Distorted Vision
Irritated Eyes
Irritated Eyes
Changing Prescription
Changing Prescription

COMPLETE KERATOCONUS TESTING

Diagnosis/ Testing of Keratoconus

Our first-in-class technology suite provides better detection & better outcomes for your vision health.

Eye Health Assessment

This assessment uses an ophthalmoscope to examine different parts of your eye. This is a handheld piece of equipment that the doctor will use to examine your eyes with a light adjusted to the right aperture and filter necessary to see to the back of your eye.

 
Why We Use This Method:

  • This tool allows the doctor to evaluate your pupil responses, optic nerve, retina, cornea, and lens.
  • We use this tool to look for signs of eye diseases or retinal vascular diseases.
Muscle Function Test

If you’ve ever had an optometrist ask you to follow an object with only your eyes without moving your head then you’ve completed a muscle function test. The object, commonly a pen or pencil, will be held 40cm from your face while the assessment is completed and generally takes less than 30 seconds to complete. This is performed to check the movement of your eyes in each direction and at specific angles. The doctor will then be able to determine muscle weakness or involuntary eye movement.

 
Why We Use This Method:

  • This checks for uncontrolled eye movement or double vision in patients.
  • We’re also able to identify the following potential problem: nystagmus, strabismus, mechanical restrictions due to traumatic injury.
Binocular Vision Skills Assessment

Binocular vision skills assessment aren’t routinely performed on every patient. But if patients complain of indicative symptoms this can be completed to make sure they aren’t suffering from a difficult to detect visual deficit. Failing this assessment could point to you suffering from improper depth perception, poor eye muscle coordination and the inability to change focus from near to far objects.

Why We Use This Method:

  • If patients are suffering from the following symptoms we will conduct a binocular vision skills assessment: double vision, headaches, eyestrain, and patients with a traumatic brain injury.
  • This assessment identifies the following: oculomotor dysfunctions, accommodative dysfunction, binocular vision dysfunction, strabismus, visual perceptual deficits.
Eye Pressure Test

Your doctor may administer one or more tests to evaluate your intra-ocular pressure. One commonly used test is through the use of a machine, that puffs air into your eye to test IOP call a non-contact tonometry (NCT). The eye bounces the air back to a sensor that reads the pressure automatically. While unpleasant, this test is not painful.

An alternative way to perform this test in the case of a NCT machine being unavailable is through manual testing. Eye drops will be administered and then gentle pressure will be applied to the surface of your eye by the ophthalmologist or using a blue light instrument. This will feel like placing a contact lense in your eye.

The desired range for eye pressure will vary from person to person but your ophthalmologist will determine the correct range for you individually. High intra-ocular pressure could point to glaucoma developing in your eyes which will need to be addressed further by the ophthalmologist.
Why We Use This Method:

  • The major purpose behind testing eye pressure is to identify eyes developing glaucoma.
Color Vision Screening

Color vision screening is used to see how you perceive colors. Color blindness doesn’t generally affect everyday life. It is usually tested using a form of the Ishihara but more intensive forms of assessment are available. Extensive exams look into the type and severity of color blindness while color vision screening only shows if there is a color vision problem.

 
Why We Use This Method:

  • Identifying color blindness, especially in children, can explain poor performance or learning frustratio
Eye Health Assessment in Melbourne, FL
Eye Health Assessment

This assessment uses an ophthalmoscope to examine different parts of your eye. This is a handheld piece of equipment that the doctor will use to examine your eyes with a light adjusted to the right aperture and filter necessary to see to the back of your eye.

 
Why We Use This Method:

  • This tool allows the doctor to evaluate your pupil responses, optic nerve, retina, cornea, and lens.
  • We use this tool to look for signs of eye diseases or retinal vascular diseases.
Muscle Function Test
Muscle Function Test

If you’ve ever had an optometrist ask you to follow an object with only your eyes without moving your head then you’ve completed a muscle function test. The object, commonly a pen or pencil, will be held 40cm from your face while the assessment is completed and generally takes less than 30 seconds to complete. This is performed to check the movement of your eyes in each direction and at specific angles. The doctor will then be able to determine muscle weakness or involuntary eye movement.

 
Why We Use This Method:

  • This checks for uncontrolled eye movement or double vision in patients.
  • We’re also able to identify the following potential problem: nystagmus, strabismus, mechanical restrictions due to traumatic injury.
Binocular Vision Skills Assessment
Binocular Vision Skills Assessment

Binocular vision skills assessment aren’t routinely performed on every patient. But if patients complain of indicative symptoms this can be completed to make sure they aren’t suffering from a difficult to detect visual deficit. Failing this assessment could point to you suffering from improper depth perception, poor eye muscle coordination and the inability to change focus from near to far objects.

Why We Use This Method:

  • If patients are suffering from the following symptoms we will conduct a binocular vision skills assessment: double vision, headaches, eyestrain, and patients with a traumatic brain injury.
  • This assessment identifies the following: oculomotor dysfunctions, accommodative dysfunction, binocular vision dysfunction, strabismus, visual perceptual deficits.
Eye Pressure Test in Melbourne, FL
Eye Pressure Test

Your doctor may administer one or more tests to evaluate your intra-ocular pressure. One commonly used test is through the use of a machine, that puffs air into your eye to test IOP call a non-contact tonometry (NCT). The eye bounces the air back to a sensor that reads the pressure automatically. While unpleasant, this test is not painful.

An alternative way to perform this test in the case of a NCT machine being unavailable is through manual testing. Eye drops will be administered and then gentle pressure will be applied to the surface of your eye by the ophthalmologist or using a blue light instrument. This will feel like placing a contact lense in your eye.

The desired range for eye pressure will vary from person to person but your ophthalmologist will determine the correct range for you individually. High intra-ocular pressure could point to glaucoma developing in your eyes which will need to be addressed further by the ophthalmologist.
Why We Use This Method:

  • The major purpose behind testing eye pressure is to identify eyes developing glaucoma.
Color Vision Screening in Suntree
Color Vision Screening

Color vision screening is used to see how you perceive colors. Color blindness doesn’t generally affect everyday life. It is usually tested using a form of the Ishihara but more intensive forms of assessment are available. Extensive exams look into the type and severity of color blindness while color vision screening only shows if there is a color vision problem.

 
Why We Use This Method:

  • Identifying color blindness, especially in children, can explain poor performance or learning frustratio

Treatment Options

Restore your vision & restore your life with the most modern keratoconus treatments available today.

Contacts Lenses in Melbourne, FL
Contact Lenses
Eye Inserts
Scleral Lenses
Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal Cross-Linking
Cornea Implants
Cornea Implants
Cornea Transplants
Cornea Transplants
Keratoconus Treatment in Melbourne, FL

Intacs® Corneal Implants for Keratoconus

Intacs are a transparent, microthin insert equipped with your prescription. It is placed between layers of corneal tissue and reshapes cornea curvature. This will give you improved vision while battling the symptoms of keratoconus.

Improved Vision: NO CONTACTS OR GLASSES REQUIRED

Intacs are like contacts you never have to take out. If you suffer from keratoconus and no longer benefit from contacts or glasses you may be a good candidate for Intacs. The design of the stabilizing device was created to help fight the effects of keratoconus from the inside-out by working to flatten the cornea. While it won’t cure keratoconus, placement of the Intac can prevent the need to have a cornea transplant in the future.

Schedule A Consultation

Eye Care Treatment in Melbourne, FL
Eye Exams in Merritt Island

Comfortable Recovery Process

The procedure to implant the Intacs is minimally-invasive, resulting in less trauma to the cornea and surgery site. This aids in a quicker recovery and smaller chance of astigmatism developing. Distortions and scarring will be minimized as well. With the Intac procedure, you with experience an easy recovery process without effect on your daily comfort.

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DESIGNED TO BE PERMANENT BUT CAN BE REMOVED

Can Be Exchanged if Vision Changes

You certainly won’t need to worry about Intacs falling out. Nor will you need to worry about permanence due to removal of tissue. Because Intacs are additive, they can be removed in the future should the need arise. If you find your prescription changing dramatically you can even exchange the Intacs for a new pair that match your new vision needs.

Schedule A Consultation

Eye Testing in Suntree
Eye Doctor Treatment in Melbourne, FL

IMPROVED VISION WILL BE THE ONLY INDICATOR IT’S THERE

Once administered, you will not feel the Intacs in your eyes. Plus they are no more visible than contact lenses. The comfort and subtlety of this treatment option make them attractive to those suffering from keratoconus. An added bonus is the eliminated maintenance. See clearer without the hassle of upkeep.

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STABILIZE AND STRENGTHEN CORNEAS WITH THIS PROCEDURE

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

Corneal Cross-Linking adds additional cross-links between the cornea and collagen fibers, which help keep the cornea from bulging and developing a cone shape. This procedure will strengthen the cornea and prevent it from thinning. Ultimately, you will benefit from improved vision and a lowered chance of needing a corneal transplant.

Corneal Treatment in Merritt Island
Preventative Eye Care in Melbourne, FL

Prevent Keratoconus Progression/ Corneal Transplants

By strengthening the links between the cornea and collagen fibers you can prevent the progression of keratoconus. This is a non-invasive way to handle keratoconus compared to common alternatives like corneal transplants. In fact, using CXL can potentially stave off the need for a corneal transplant altogether.

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Improve Quality of Vision with CXL

In short, keratoconus causes distortions and vision problems. But with corneal cross-linking the eyes are able to build links and strengthen vision. This gives you a non-invasive way to take back control over your sight.

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Corneal Crosslinking in Melbourne, FL
Permanent Results for Keratoconus at Tres Vision

NO WORRIES ABOUT FOLLOW-UP TREATMENTS

Permanent Results

Corneal cross-linking isn’t a procedure you’ll need to have performed consistently over the period of your life, it’s a one-time treatment. This out-patient treatment will be over in roughly an hour and then you’ll be on your way to enjoying your heightened vision.

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TYPICALLY COMPLETE IN 1 HOUR

Simple Out-Patient Procedure

The procedure is non-invasive and lasts for 60 to 90 minutes in length. This simple out-patient procedure only requires that you have a ride home as you won’t be allowed to drive yourself. The recovery time following cross-linking may vary from individual to individual. But generally, it takes a week to recover.

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1 hour Eye Treatment
Corneal Care in Suntree

REDUCE PAIN, RESTORE VISION & IMPROVE APPEARANCE OF CORNEAS

Intralase Enabled Keratoplasty – Corneal Transplant Surgery

Corneal transplant surgery treats diseases that originate in the cornea by transplanting a cornea from a donor to you. This method of treating keratoconous is shown to be a safe, beneficial alternative to other methods. You can expect a faster recovery time and improved vision after surgery.

Laser-Assisted CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION PROCEDURE

Intralase Enabled Keratoplasty (IEK) is a laser assisted surgery for corneal transplantation. The use of the laser increases the precision of the procedure resulting in more favorable outcomes.

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Corneal Transplants in Suntree
Various Eye Care Treatments

MORE BENEFICIAL THAN STANDARD SURGICAL PRACTICES

Safe and Effective

IEK will result in less astigmatism caused by the surgery and will result in quicker recovery time. This effective and safe procedure has a rare chance of transplant failure and transplants are checked intensively for suitability to your eye.

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QUICKER HEALING THAN ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES

Fast Healing Time

Within two to three months after surgery, you will be able to see with limited functionality without the use of glasses or contacts. Their vision will strengthen over the following months, achieving 20/40 or better after six to seven months. This is a huge improvement from the alternative surgery which requires a twelve to eighteen month recovery period.

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Preventative Eye Care in Melbourne, FL
Optimal Eye Care Results

OPTIMAL CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION METHOD

Improved Visual Outcome with Less Astigmatism

With the IEK surgery, ophthalmologists are able to increase visual outcomes that result in less surgery-induced astigmatism. This results in better vision for you now with fewer complications down the road.

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FEATURED TREATMENT OPTION

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses offer a comfortable and safe solution if you struggle with kertonocus. These lenses are much larger than standard contact lenses making them easier to place in your eye. The lenses vault over the cornea creating a constant bath over the cornea with preservative-free saline which aides in healing.

Scleral Lenses in Melbourne, FL

FAQ

  • Who is at risk of developing keratoconus?

    If you tend to rub your eye vigorously or have a family history of keratoconus, you may have a heightened risk of developing keratoconus. The presence of other diseases can also raise your risks. These include:

    • Asthma
    • Hay Fever
    • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
    • Down syndrome
    • Retinitis pigmentosa
  • How can I prevent keratoconus from worsening?

    Keratoconus is a lifelong disease of the eye. Once diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan. Your best option for preventing further progression of keratoconus is to follow the recommended treatment plan and regularly receive eye exams.

  • What happens if keratoconus is left untreated? 

    If left untreated, keratoconus can result in partial or complete loss of vision. This disease can be monitored and progression can be halted by following a treatment plan, however, action will need to be consistently taken throughout your life to prevent the effects of untreated keratoconus from setting in.

  • Is keratoconus hereditary

    Research on keratoconus is still being conducted to understand exactly what causes the disease to take hold. Keratoconus is partially hereditary but also influenced by outside behavioral and environmental factors. If you have a family history of keratoconus the genetic factors are present which will increase your risk for developing the disease. However, unless you encounter certain behavioral and environmental factors in your life the disease may not develop.

  • Is keratoconus permanent?

    Yes. Presently, there are no known cures for keratoconus. If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus you will need to prepare for a lifelong treatment plan to control the progression of the disease.

  • How long does it take to recover from Intacs surgery

    The recovery time after Intacs surgery is brief. You will likely find that you can return to work after two to three days of recovery.

  • How soon will my vision become clear after Intacs are placed?

    Vision generally clears up immediately following surgery or soon after.

  • Can Intacs be removed?

    Yes. Intacs can be removed if you need to replace them with an updated lense or remove them permanently. This procedure would be performed by an ophthalmologist. While in your eye, Intacs require no regular maintenance and are designed to be permanent solutions.

  • What is the benefit of corneal cross-linking? 

    Corneal cross-linking adds stability to the eye by building links to collagen that holds the cornea in place. This can prevent. This procedure is minimally-invasive which is an added benefit given alternative treatments for keratoconus include cornea transplant which is a highly invasive surgery.

  • How long will pain last after corneal cross-linking?

    Your eyes will be sensitive and painful for three to five days following the procedure. Your pain levels may vary from other patients.

  • How long does it take to recover from corneal cross-linking?

    It can take up to a week to fully recover from corneal cross-linking. Be aware, recovery time varies and you may experience a recovery period lasting longer than seven days.

  • How long does corneal transplant surgery take?

    Corneal transplant surgery takes between 30 minutes and one hour. This excludes time needed to prep and post-surgery procedures

  • What to expect after corneal transplant surgery?

    After the surgery, you will need to have transportation home. Your eyes will likely have sutures but these will be unnoticeable.

    You should avoid activities that could potentially effect your eye. This includes activities such as contact sports. Your doctor will provide you with more information on precautions during your recovery process.

  • How long does it take to recover from corneal transplant surgery? 

    After corneal transplant surgery, it typically takes about one to two weeks to resume normal activity. Actual recovery time will depend on if you had a partial or full-thickness transplant. Your doctor will be able to give you a more specific timeline to full recovery.