Keratoconus
Locations: Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, Arcadia
Doctor: Dr. Alan Berg
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye—becomes thin and gradually bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion affects how light enters the eye, leading to:
Blurred or distorted vision
Increased sensitivity to light
Glare and halos, especially at night
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
What Causes Keratoconus?
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, keratoconus is believed to be linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
One major risk factor is chronic or aggressive eye rubbing. Repeated rubbing can weaken the corneal structure over time, especially in people who are already predisposed to the condition. Eye rubbing is often linked to allergies or dry eye discomfort, so treating those underlying issues is an important part of managing keratoconus.
Treatment Options for Keratoconus
Crosslinking
A proven way to slow or stop keratoconus from getting worse
Corneal cross-linking is an FDA-approved outpatient procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and prevent further thinning or bulging caused by keratoconus.
How It Works
During the procedure:
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops are applied to the surface of the eye.
After the cornea is fully saturated, it is exposed to a controlled beam of UV-A light.
This process creates new bonds (cross-links) between collagen fibers in the cornea, increasing its strength and stability.
What to Expect
Time: The procedure typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
Setting: It’s done in-office or at an outpatient surgical center—no hospital stay needed.
Anesthesia: Numbing eye drops are used for comfort.
Aftercare: You may wear a bandage contact lens for a few days. Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or blurry vision is common during healing.
Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week. Full visual stabilization may take 4 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer.
Why It’s Recommended
It can halt the progression of keratoconus.
It may help some patients avoid the need for a corneal transplant in the future.
It’s safe, effective, and backed by long-term clinical results.
Specialized Contact Lenses
For vision correction, especially in moderate to advanced cases, we provide custom-fitted contact lenses:
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Offer clear vision by creating a smooth refractive surface over the irregular cornea
Hybrid Lenses: Combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring for comfort and clarity.
Scleral Lenses: Large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera (white part of the eye), providing comfort and improved vision.
Why We No Longer Offer Intacs
Intacs, or intrastromal corneal ring segments, were once used to flatten the cornea and improve vision in keratoconus patients. However, due to advancements in treatment and better long-term outcomes with other methods, we have phased out this procedure. Reasons include:
Limited Long-Term Efficacy: Studies have shown that while Intacs can provide temporary improvement, they may not offer sustained benefits over time.
Potential Complications: Risks such as infection, ring extrusion, and corneal haze have been associated with Intacs.
Advancements in Alternative Treatments: Procedures like corneal cross-linking and the use of specialized contact lenses have proven more effective and less invasive.
