Keratoconus

• Blurred vision, changes in visual acuity, sensitivity to light, and changes in refraction (e.g., needing new glasses every few months).
• The onset of the disease is usually in adolescence. At this stage, there are often no typical complaints related to vision reduction. Diagnosis in the initial form can only be made during an examination with specialized digital equipment and specific research methods.
• As the disease progresses, symptoms such as reduced vision, discomfort, and the appearance of astigmatism that is difficult to correct emerge.
• In more advanced stages, even with glasses, it is impossible to provide sufficiently good vision, and special contact lenses become necessary.
• In the final stages of the disease, vision correction with glasses and contact lenses is impossible. The thinning of the cornea is highly advanced, and there is central opacity. This necessitates more radical measures, namely surgical treatment – corneal transplantation (keratoplasty).

In the initial stages of the disease, vision correction with glasses or contact lenses is undertaken, but as the process progresses, a surgical procedure called Cross-linking is introduced. In the final stage of the disease, perforating keratoplasty (corneal transplantation) may be necessary.
Cross-linking is a procedure that strengthens and reinforces the cornea. The operation uses a combination of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and special dosed UV light (harmless to the eye structures). Cross-linking strengthens the corneal structure and halts the development and progression of keratoconus. VISION Clinic has the latest, fastest-acting, special UV system “Avedro KXL” for cross-linking, which allows for more precise, safe, and faster execution of the procedure.

Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses for vision correction in keratoconus and high astigmatism “Kerasoft IC”: With their advent, “Kerasoft IC” soft contact lenses quickly proved their advantages over rigid lenses and led to a change in the treatment approach and improvement of vision in keratoconus. Their advantages include comfortable all-day wear, exceptionally clear vision, increased oxygen permeability necessary for the cornea, and easy maintenance.

The Gold Standard “Rose K2”
Rigid innovative gas-permeable (RGP) lenses “Rose K2” are the gold standard for keratoconus correction in over 90 countries. Invented by New Zealand optometrist Paul Rose, they are made from a special material that allows the cornea to “breathe.” They are custom-made for each patient and come in 6 different designs. Each “Rose K2” type is suitable for a specific type and stage of keratoconus.
The lenses are fitted individually, after which there is a trial wearing period, during which the patient’s subjective sensations and objective clinical signs are monitored during the adaptation period.
“Vision” Clinic is the only one in Bulgaria that offers “Rose K2” lenses.

Mini-Scleral “Rose K2” XL
The mini-scleral “Rose K2” XL is ideal for patients who cannot be fitted with standard rigid lenses.

Piggy-back – “2 in 1” alternative
The “piggy-back” system was developed for patients who have intolerance to gas-permeable (rigid) lenses. For example, it allows a soft contact lens to be placed under the rigid lens, acting as a “cushion.” At the same time, the gas-permeable lens provides clear vision.

Keratoplasty (Corneal Transplantation)
Corneal transplantation has a long history and is among the first and most successful transplantations in medicine. In this type of eye surgery, the diseased corneal tissue is removed and replaced with a healthy donor cornea. The success rate is very high – this is due to the lack of blood vessels in the cornea, which leads to a significantly lower risk of graft rejection reaction.

Perforating Keratoplasty is a method for surgical treatment of preventable corneal blindness with extremely rapid recovery. Advanced keratoconus and corneal dystrophies are among the most common indications for corneal transplantation in Bulgaria.