If you have keratoconus, there are steps you can take with your doctor to restore your vision. This eye disease causes the cornea, the transparent cell layer at the front of the eye, to deteriorate and swell. Natural remedies, such as treating allergies and taking certain supplements, can help manage the condition, but only an experienced eye doctor can diagnose and treat it. Many sufferers only need to wear special glasses or contact lenses, but your doctor may recommend medical treatments or surgery to control more severe and advanced cases.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Try Natural Therapies
Step 1. Monitor allergies, if you have any
If your eyes are itchy from the allergy, take antihistamines regularly and avoid allergens. Also, you should try to check for all other allergies as well, even if they don't directly affect your eyes. Food and skin allergies can cause eye inflammation and, in some cases, are linked to keratoconus.
Step 2. Drink more milk and take a calcium supplement
Diets low in calcium and other nutrients can contribute to keratoconus or make it worse. Try to drink two or three glasses of milk a day to reach the recommended daily dose of calcium. You can also ask your doctor if you need to take a 500g or 1000g calcium supplement every day.
- Other sources of calcium include cheese, yogurt, spinach, kale, and soy.
- Ask your doctor what medications and supplements to take, then follow their directions to the letter.
Step 3. Try taking vitamin D supplements
A daily dose of 2000-4000 IU of vitamin D can help slow the progression of keratoconus. In clinical exams, patients took much higher doses of vitamin D than recommended, so you should consult your doctor before following high-dose vitamin D therapy.
Step 4. Avoid scratching your eyes
Doing so can damage the fine tissues of the cornea and make keratoconus worse. If your eyes are always itchy, use saline drops or artificial tears instead of scratching yourself.
Step 5. Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause keratoconus or make it worse. When you go out, protect your eyes with glasses that block 99% of UV rays. Look for models with UV protection or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Method 2 of 3: Wear Glasses and Contact Lenses
Step 1. Talk to an eye doctor who is experienced in treating keratoconus
This condition is serious because it can potentially lead to vision loss. Only an experienced eye doctor can diagnose this disease and help you manage it.
Ask your doctor for a recommendation or search the internet for an ophthalmologist who is experienced in treating keratoconus
Step 2. Wear corrective glasses if your case is mild
In the early stages and in mild cases, the only treatment needed is vision correction. If keratoconus restricts your vision, your ophthalmologist will prescribe glasses for you.
If you only need to wear glasses, schedule a follow-up visit every year and call him if you notice any changes in your vision. He may change your prescription or equip you with special contact lenses
Step 3. Ask your doctor about contact lenses
Mild or moderate cases require custom contact lenses that help the cornea keep its shape. There are many types of lenses available, and your eye doctor will let you know which option is best for your specific condition. The lenses are effective for most patients, without the need for further treatment.
Over time, your eye doctor may change your prescription for your lenses. You will still need to schedule an annual checkup or visit him when you notice changes in your vision
Method 3 of 3: Treating Keratoconus with Medical Procedures
Step 1. Ask your doctor about corneal crosslinking (CXL)
Although most patients only require glasses or contact lenses, your eye doctor may recommend CXL treatment to strengthen collagen bonds in the cornea. This is a non-surgical procedure that takes about an hour. It is not invasive, but it can reduce vision and cause photosensitivity for 1 to 3 months.
In many cases, the vision distortion slows or stops after CXL therapy. Ask someone to take you home after the procedure, as your vision will change
Step 2. Ask your doctor about corneal inserts
In advanced or severe cases, your doctor may suggest a special plastic implant that helps the cornea keep its shape and corrects distorted vision. The implants are placed with surgery, but the procedure only takes 10-15 minutes.
- You need to be accompanied home after the implant and you will need to rest a few days after the surgery. You will likely notice a temporary reduction in vision, but you should return to seeing better than before within a few months. Recovery time depends on the severity of your condition.
- Corneal inserts do not stop the progress of keratoconus, but they can improve vision. For this, some doctors practice CXL (to stop deterioration) and apply implants (to correct vision) in the same appointment.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about cornea transplants
Although rare, severe and advanced cases of keratoconus require a corneal transplant. Transplantation is usually only recommended when other treatments have not been successful. Your doctor will explain how to prepare for the procedure and will give you instructions for the postoperative course.
