Keratoconus Treatment in Cape Town

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that changes the shape of the cornea. Instead of being round, the cornea gradually becomes cone-shaped – similar to a rugby ball. This distortion results in blurred or distorted vision.

The condition typically begins during puberty and progresses over time. While some patients experience steady deterioration, others go through phases of worsening and stability. In most cases, keratoconus stabilises after the age of 40.

What Causes It?

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin in its central and lower areas. This thinning leads to an uneven curvature and often causes irregular astigmatism and short-sightedness. The condition always affects both eyes, though one eye is usually worse than the other.

Although the exact cause of keratoconus remains unknown, frequent eye rubbing and family history may increase your risk. Unfortunately, wearing contact lenses does not stop progression.

Early Symptoms of Keratoconus

  • Blurred or distorted vision

  • Increased sensitivity to light

  • Frequent changes in prescription glasses

  • Difficulty seeing at night

How We Treat Keratoconus

1. Glasses or Soft Contact Lenses

In the early stages, we often recommend glasses or soft contact lenses to correct refractive errors. These options work well when the cornea still maintains a relatively regular shape.

2. Hard or Hybrid Contact Lenses

As keratoconus progresses, glasses become less effective. At this point, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) or hybrid lenses provide better visual clarity. They help reshape the way light enters the eye.

3. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

To halt further deterioration, we may perform corneal cross-linking. This treatment combines riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops with controlled ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light strengthens collagen bonds in the cornea, improving structural stability. Though it doesn’t reverse damage, it effectively stops progression.

We also offer trans-epithelial cross-linking (without removing the corneal surface), which is ideal for children and patients with thin corneas.

4. Kera/Ferrara Rings

For patients with irregular corneal curvature, Kera or Ferrara rings can help. These tiny plastic segments are implanted into the cornea using femtosecond laser technology. They flatten the bulging cornea and improve visual outcomes – especially for patients who struggle with contact lenses. The procedure is reversible and tissue-sparing.

5. CAIRS  – Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments

CAIRS is a cutting-edge, biological alternative to synthetic rings. We implant donor corneal tissue into the cornea, which reshapes and strengthens it naturally. The treatment significantly improves vision and preserves your eye’s biomechanical structure.

6. DALK  – Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

If the inner layers of your cornea are healthy, we may recommend DALK. This partial-thickness transplant removes only the diseased layers and keeps your endothelium intact. The risk of rejection is lower, and long-term results are excellent.

7. Penetrating Keratoplasty (Full Corneal Transplant)

When other treatments are no longer effective, we may perform a full-thickness corneal transplant. Using femtosecond laser precision, we match and replace the damaged cornea with donor tissue. Visual recovery is faster, and results are more stable than traditional methods.

Why Choose Eye Laser Clinic in Cape Town?

  • Trusted specialists in keratoconus treatment since 1993

  • Access to advanced procedures like CAIRS and DALK

  • Femtosecond laser technology for safer, more precise surgery

  • Comprehensive care from diagnosis to recovery

Start Your Keratoconus Treatment Today

If you’re noticing changes in your vision or struggling with keratoconus, don’t wait. Book an assessment with one of our experienced ophthalmologists. We’ll guide you through every step—from diagnosis to the most effective treatment options for your eyes.

📞 Call us at 021 9100 300 or email info@eyelaserclinic.co.za