Keratoconus (KC) is a condition whereby the cornea becomes conical in shape.  People with KC can benefit from spectacles in the initial stages, followed by contact lenses and in very advanced stages a corneal transplant may be needed.

 

Contact Lenses

Hard contact lenses help to mould the cornea in KC in a way that spectacles would not be able to and hence improve vision.  These are advised in moderate and advanced cases of KC.  You have the option of corneal, piggyback, hybrid or scleral contact lenses.  We order our contact lenses from the UK and can thus guarantee our patients quality products.  

Scleral lenses are particularly useful for people who have advanced KC or irregular corneas and do not want to have a corneal transplant.  

We are one of the very few centers in Kenya to fit and supply scleral lenses.  

Please do not use tap water to rinse or store your contact lenses.  Tap water can have microorganisms that can cause serious infections in the eye that can lead to blindness.

Crosslinking

This is a procedure to strengthen the cornea and prevent it from progressing.  The eye is exposed to a combination of Vitamin B eye drops and UV light in theatre.  We can refer you to our network of colleagues who perform cross-linking.

How do you monitor progression?  If the following parameters change over a period of time, it could indicate that the KC is progressing.

  1. Vision – has your vision dropped?
  2. Spectacle Prescription – does your spectacle prescription keep changing?
  3. Corneal Topography/ Tomography – This is a computerized map of your cornea. It is a very accurate method of monitoring progression.  Everyone with KC should have this test once a year.  If you wear contact lenses please keep them out for 72 hours before doing this test.  
  4. Pachymetry – This measures corneal thickness.  If the cornea is getting thinner, the KC could be progressing.

Make a file of your topographies and spectacle prescription so that you can monitor progression yourself.  Take Charge.  These are your eyes.

Who is testing your eyes?

There is no board for Optometrists in Kenya.  Anyone can open up an ‘Optical Shop’ and test your eyes.  Please do not be afraid to ask your Optician/Optometrist for their qualifications.