Keratoconus Treatment Options: Beyond Glasses and Contacts in Brisbane

Living with keratoconus can feel like a journey of constant adaptation. If you’re in Brisbane and have been diagnosed with this progressive eye condition, you might already know that glasses or soft contact lenses often fall short as the disease advances. The good news? Modern ophthalmology offers a range of keratoconus treatment options that go beyond the basics, helping you regain clearer vision and a better quality of life. At our Brisbane-based practice, we’re committed to guiding you through these options with care and expertise. Let’s explore what’s available, from rigid contact lenses for keratoconus to advanced surgical interventions like corneal transplants.

Understanding Keratoconus: A Quick Recap

Before diving into treatments, let’s touch on what keratoconus is. This condition causes the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front of your eye—to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This distortion leads to blurry vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty with night vision, which can make everyday tasks like driving or reading a challenge. While glasses or soft contacts might help in the early stages, they often become less effective as the cornea changes. That’s where specialized keratoconus treatment options come in, tailored to your unique needs in Brisbane’s vibrant medical community.

Non-Surgical Keratoconus Treatment Options

For many patients, non-surgical treatments are the first step in managing keratoconus. These options focus on improving vision without invasive procedures, and they’re often highly effective for mild to moderate cases.

Rigid contact lenses for keratoconus, also known as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, are a touch old fashioned now.  

Scleral Lenses: A Game-Changer for Comfort

For those who find RGPs uncomfortable or need a more advanced solution, scleral lenses are an excellent option. These larger lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), creating a fluid-filled chamber that keeps the eye hydrated and comfortable. This design is particularly beneficial for advanced keratoconus, where corneal irregularity is significant.

Scleral lenses have become increasingly popular in Brisbane due to their comfort and ability to provide crisp vision. Patients often tell us they can wear scleral lenses all day without the irritation they experienced with other lenses. Plus, they’re less likely to pop out during daily activities—an added bonus for active folks!

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Keratoconus

When non-surgical options aren’t enough, minimally invasive procedures can stabilize the cornea and improve vision. These treatments are designed to halt keratoconus progression and, in some cases, reduce the need for more extensive surgery.

Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS)

Corneal ring segments, also known as intracorneal ring segments (ICRS), are small, crescent-shaped devices implanted into the cornea to reshape it. By flattening the cone-like bulge, ICRS can improve vision and make contact lenses easier to fit. The procedure is quick, reversible, and performed under local anesthesia, making it a low-risk option for many patients.

In Brisbane, we’ve seen fantastic results with ICRS for patients with moderate keratoconus. The procedure doesn’t stop the disease’s progression, but it can delay or even eliminate the need for a corneal transplant. Patients often share how this treatment has given them newfound confidence in their vision.  ICRS has mostly been replaced by CAIRS now. 

Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS)

A newer advancement in keratoconus treatment is Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS). Unlike traditional ICRS, CAIRS uses donor corneal tissue to create a natural ring within the cornea. This approach not only reshapes the cornea but also strengthens it, potentially slowing disease progression more effectively.

CAIRS is gaining traction in Brisbane’s ophthalmology community for its innovative approach. While still a relatively new procedure, Dr Brendan Cronin has been a pioneer of the procedure in Australia and his regarded as a world expert in CAIRS.  If you’re considering CAIRS, we’ll assess your eye’s condition to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Corneal Laser Resurfacing / Topography guided PTK t-PTK for Keratoconus

In some cases we can use a laser to reshape the surface of the eye to remove the conical distortion in your cornea aiming to also remove the distortion in your vision. This is referred to as a topography guided phototherapeutic keratectomy for keratoconus.  When you come for an assessment in clinic, we will take detailed measurements of the eye and will be able to advise you if this procedure may be beneficial for you.

Surgical Options for Advanced Keratoconus

In cases where keratoconus has progressed significantly, surgical intervention may be necessary. These procedures are typically reserved for patients with severe corneal thinning or scarring that impacts vision quality.

Corneal Transplant for Keratoconus

A corneal transplant for keratoconus, also known as keratoplasty, involves replacing the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. There are two main types: penetrating keratoplasty (full-thickness transplant) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK, partial-thickness transplant). DALK is often preferred for keratoconus as it preserves the inner layers of the cornea, reducing the risk of rejection.

In Brisbane, corneal transplants have a high success rate, with many patients achieving significantly improved vision. Recovery can take several months, but the long-term benefits are worth it for those with advanced keratoconus. Our team provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to ensure the best outcomes.

Why Choose Brisbane for Keratoconus Treatment?

Brisbane is home to world-class ophthalmologists and cutting-edge eye care technology, making it an ideal place to explore keratoconus treatment options. Dr Brendan Cronin is a world expert in keratoconus. From specialized contact lens fittings to advanced surgical procedures, our practice is dedicated to personalized care. We understand that every patient’s journey with keratoconus is unique, and we’re here to support you with compassion and expertise.

Our patients often share stories of rediscovering the joy of clear vision—whether it’s seeing the Brisbane River sparkle at dusk or reading a book without squinting. These moments remind us why we do what we do.

What’s Next? Taking the First Step

If you’re struggling with keratoconus, don’t let blurry vision hold you back. Start by scheduling a consultation with a Brisbane-based ophthalmologist who specializes in keratoconus treatment options. During your visit, we’ll perform a thorough eye exam, map your cornea with advanced imaging, and discuss the best path forward—whether that’s rigid contact lenses for keratoconus, scleral lenses, corneal ring segments, CAIRS, or a corneal transplant.

Living with keratoconus can be challenging, but with the right treatment, you can see the world more clearly. Reach out today to explore your options and take control of your eye health in Brisbane.

Ready to learn more? Contact Queensland Eye Institute to book your appointment and discover the best keratoconus treatment options for you.