Keratoconus Treatment
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Keratoconus is an eye condition characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. The condition typically starts during adolescence and may progress into the 30s or 40s. Over time, the abnormal curvature of the cornea can significantly impact visual clarity, causing issues with daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
Keratoconus treatment aims to halt the progression of the condition, improve vision, and restore the cornea's natural shape. There are several treatment options available, each varying in terms of invasiveness and purpose. The most common treatment is corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), a minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the cornea by using riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet (UV) light to create new bonds between collagen fibers. This process helps stabilize the cornea and prevent further thinning and bulging.
In more advanced cases, other treatments such as corneal inserts (Intacs), custom soft contact lenses, or even corneal transplant surgery may be recommended. Corneal inserts involve placing small, clear plastic segments within the cornea to flatten the cone shape. Contact lenses, particularly custom soft or scleral lenses, provide a non-surgical option to correct vision by covering the irregular cornea. For patients with severe corneal thinning and scarring, a corneal transplant may be necessary to replace the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea.
Procedure Duration
The duration of keratoconus treatment depends on the specific procedure chosen and the patient's individual condition.
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): This procedure typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. It involves the application of riboflavin eye drops to the cornea for 30 minutes, followed by UV light exposure for an additional 30 minutes. Most patients experience mild discomfort during the procedure, and some light sensitivity or irritation in the days following treatment. Recovery time can vary, but many patients resume normal activities within a week. Full visual stabilization may take several months as the cornea gradually reshapes.
Corneal Inserts (Intacs): The implantation of corneal inserts is a relatively quick outpatient procedure, usually lasting about 30 minutes per eye. During this time, small segments are inserted into the cornea to help flatten its shape. Most patients experience an immediate improvement in vision, although it may take several weeks for full stabilization. Recovery is generally short, with many returning to daily activities within a few days.
Corneal Transplant: A corneal transplant is a more complex surgery that can take up to 2 hours to complete. The recovery process is significantly longer, often spanning several months to a year, as the eye heals and adjusts to the new corneal tissue. Frequent follow-up visits are required to monitor the eye’s healing process and ensure the transplant's success.
Benefits
- Stops Progression: Corneal collagen cross-linking is highly effective in halting the progression of keratoconus, preserving the patient's remaining vision.
- Non-invasive Options: Treatments like cross-linking and contact lenses provide non-invasive alternatives to surgical interventions.
- Vision Improvement: Procedures such as corneal inserts can significantly improve vision clarity and reduce the dependence on corrective eyewear.
- Customizable Treatments: A variety of treatment options allows for tailored approaches based on the severity of the condition and the patient's needs.
- Long-term Stability: Cross-linking and other treatments offer long-term stability in the corneal structure, preventing further deterioration.
Potential Destinations
- Turkey: Known for its advanced eye care facilities, Turkey offers high-quality keratoconus treatments at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries. Many clinics in Turkey are equipped with the latest technology, and medical staff are often multilingual, making it an ideal destination for international patients.
- India: With a strong reputation for medical tourism, India provides access to experienced ophthalmologists and state-of-the-art eye care centers. The cost of keratoconus treatment in India is considerably lower, without compromising on quality and outcomes.
- Germany: Germany is renowned for its cutting-edge medical technologies and highly skilled eye surgeons. Although the cost may be higher, the country offers some of the most advanced treatment options for keratoconus, including specialized cross-linking techniques.
- Thailand: A hub for medical tourism, Thailand has numerous world-class eye clinics that cater to international patients. The country's blend of affordable healthcare, skilled specialists, and luxurious recovery facilities makes it a popular choice for keratoconus treatment.
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE, particularly Dubai, offers a range of modern ophthalmology clinics known for their comprehensive keratoconus treatment programs. The country’s focus on medical tourism ensures that patients receive personalized care in a comfortable, travel-friendly environment.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection: Post-procedure infection is a potential risk, particularly with surgical interventions like corneal transplants. Proper postoperative care and hygiene are crucial to minimize this risk.
- Corneal Haze: Some patients may experience corneal haze after cross-linking, a condition that usually resolves over time but can affect vision clarity temporarily.
- Prolonged Recovery: Recovery from certain treatments, especially corneal transplants, can be lengthy and requires ongoing monitoring to ensure proper healing.
- Not a Cure: While treatments can halt the progression of keratoconus and improve vision, they do not cure the condition. Patients may still require contact lenses or glasses for optimal vision correction.
- Potential for Vision Changes: After certain treatments, there may be changes in vision or fluctuations during the healing process, requiring adjustments in corrective eyewear.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for keratoconus treatment, it is essential to prioritize experience and expertise. Look for an ophthalmologist who specializes in corneal diseases and has extensive experience in treating keratoconus. Board certification and involvement in professional organizations related to ophthalmology indicate a commitment to ongoing education and adherence to best practices.
In choosing a hospital, opt for one that is well-equipped with the latest technology for eye care. The hospital should have a solid reputation for quality patient care and a track record of successful keratoconus treatments. Additionally, verify that the hospital meets international health standards, ensuring a safe and reliable environment for medical procedures.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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