Keratoconus Treatment in Melbourne

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the central zone of the cornea.

The cornea is normally dome-shaped. With keratoconus, your cornea thins and becomes cone-shaped. This change in the shape of the cornea leads to distorted vision and reduced vision quality.

There is no known cure for keratoconus. However, keratoconus can be treated and managed with various corrective aids, like specialised contact lenses. For people developing keratoconus, timely diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Vision Camberwell Optometrists is an industry leader in providing care to patients with this condition. We offer treatment options and keratoconus corrective lenses.

The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown. However, certain factors like genetics and environmental causes can increase the likelihood of developing progressive keratoconus.

These factors include:

• genetic predisposition or a family history of keratoconus
• chronic eye rubbing
• allergies that can cause chronic eye inflammation
• atopic diseases like asthma, eczema, or hayfever (as they can lead to vigorous eye rubbing)

To manage keratoconus, it is recommended that you get regular check-ups every 6-12 months. When was your last eye exam by an optometrist? Our keratoconus optometrists are renowned for providing thorough evaluations and personalised treatment plans.

Find out how we can help you today. Visit Vision Camberwell Optometrists for keratoconus lens expert Melbourne-wide.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of keratoconus is crucial for early detection and intervention.

Keratoconus is a condition that is often discovered in the teenage years and progresses as the patient gets older.

Some common symptoms of keratoconus include:

• Blurred or Distorted Vision: As the cornea’s shape becomes irregular, vision may appear blurry or distorted. Objects may appear distorted, stretched, or tilted. Patients with advanced keratoconus also experience difficulty with night vision.
• Increased Astigmatism: Keratoconus often leads to astigmatism, causing blurred or distorted vision at various distances. Individuals with keratoconus see glare or halos around lights.
• Frequent Prescription Changes: If you find that your spectacles or contact lens prescription changes frequently, it could be an indication of keratoconus.
• Sensitivity to Light: People with keratoconus may experience increased sensitivity to bright light, known as photophobia.
• Eye strain: Keratoconus is known to cause eye irritation and headaches associated with eye pain.

Keratoconus contact lenses treatment options include:

• Customised, High-Powered Spectacles Or Soft Contact Lenses For Keratoconus:

In the early stages of keratoconus, spectacles or soft contact lenses may provide adequate vision correction. Glasses or soft contact lenses can provide relief from symptoms.

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) And Scleral Contact Lenses For Keratoconus:

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses and scleral contact lenses for keratoconus are the most common forms of contact lenses used to improve vision. Scleral lenses completely vault over the cornea and sit on the sclera (the white part of the eye surface). They provide a superior level of vision, stability and comfort. An initial scleral lens assessment costs approximately $300–$350, and a Medicare rebate may apply. Lenses start from $800 per lens, and a private health rebate may apply. See our scleral lens fitting and fees page for what is included and why the lens price varies.

• Hybrid Contact Lenses:

Hybrid lenses combine the benefits of hard contact lenses for keratoconus and soft lenses, providing excellent vision and comfort.

Our optometrists will guide you through the available keratoconus treatment options and recommend the most suitable treatment plan for your unique case. Read our guide to keratoconus treatment options and our comparison of keratoconus contact lens types.

Corneal Collagen Cross-linking

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) is a groundbreaking treatment for keratoconus. While the Collagen Cross-linking (CXL) procedure itself is performed by eye specialists, the Vision Camberwell Optometrists team is actively involved in supporting and guiding individuals both before and after their CXL treatment.

Our goal is to offer comprehensive support and provide valuable information throughout the entire process.

During the Collagen Crosslinking procedure, a special solution of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is applied to the cornea, which is then activated with ultraviolet (UV) light. This combination of riboflavin drops and UV light creates chemical bonds within the cornea, increasing its strength and stability.

By undergoing Collagen Crosslinking, patients with keratoconus can potentially slow or halt the progression of the disease, preserving their vision and reducing the need for more invasive interventions such as corneal transplantation.

At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we are committed to providing personalised care and staying up to date with the latest advancements in keratoconus treatment.

Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your options and take a proactive step toward maintaining your visual health.

Led by optometrist Shonit Jagmohan, who is internationally recognised for his expertise in keratoconus, our team at Vision Camberwell Optometrists has extensive experience in managing this condition and providing exceptional treatment and care to our patients.

Shonit’s involvement in groundbreaking research and lens development ensures that we stay at the forefront of advancements in keratoconus treatment. He is known for his expertise in fitting a wide range of contact lenses for keratoconus, corneal grafts, post-trauma, and complicated eyes.

Optometrist, Jue Wang, also has extensive experience in managing keratoconus and conducts consultations in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

As the leading keratoconus lens provider in Melbourne, we have a deep understanding of the condition and advanced treatment options. We are dedicated to improving vision and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with keratoconus.

Here are the reasons to choose Vision Camberwell Optometrists for your keratoconus care:

• Experienced keratoconus optometrists

Our optometrists in Melbourne have decades of combined experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating keratoconus. We stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field to provide you with the highest level of care. Book an eye test with our experts.

• State-of-the-art technology

At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we use state-of-the-art equipment to accurately diagnose and monitor keratoconus. Our advanced diagnostic eye care tools ensure precise measurements and enable us to tailor treatment plans to your individual symptoms.

• Customised keratoconus treatment plans

We understand that each patient’s case and progression of keratoconus is unique. That’s why we take a personalised approach to develop treatment plans based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and visual requirements. We offer multiple treatment options, including contact lenses and eye wear.

• Wide range of keratoconus treatment options

Vision Camberwell Optometrists offers a wide range of treatment options for keratoconus, including complex contact lenses such as RGP lenses, scleral lenses, hard contact lenses, and hybrid lenses. We work closely with you to determine the best option for optimal vision correction and comfort.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Our optometrists will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, evaluate your condition, discuss your concerns, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
2. Ask Questions: During your consultation, feel free to ask any questions you may have. Our optometrists are here to address your concerns and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your eye health.
3. Follow the Treatment Plan: After your consultation, you will receive a personalised treatment plan from our keratoconus optometrists in Melbourne. This plan will be tailored to your needs. It is essential to follow the recommended treatment plan diligently. This may include wearing custom keratoconus contact lenses, using eye drops, attending regular follow-up appointments, and adopting certain lifestyle adjustments.
4. Attend Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. These appointments allow our optometrists to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and address any concerns or questions you may have.
5. Maintain Good Eye Health Practices: Alongside the prescribed treatment, it is important to maintain good overall eye health. Follow proper eye hygiene practices, such as avoiding rubbing your eyes and keeping them clean. Additionally, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated.
6. Contact Vision Camberwell Optometrists for Support: If you have any questions, concerns, or experience changes in your symptoms, please contact us at Vision Camberwell Optometrists. Our team of experienced optometrists is dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance throughout your Keratoconus treatment journey. Book us for a keratoconus contact lens fitting near me.

References:

1. Keratoconus (2023) Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keratoconus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351352#:~:text=In%20keratoconus%2C%20your%20cornea%20thins,outward%20into%20a%20cone%20shape. (Accessed: 30 October 2024). 
2. Keratoconus (no date) healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/keratoconus. (Accessed: 30 October 2024). 
3. Centre for Eye Research Australia (2021) Keratoconus | CERA. Available at:  https://www.cera.org.au/conditions/keratoconus/#:~:text=One%20in%20every%2084%20Australian%2020%2Dyear%2Dolds%20has%20keratoconus. (Accessed: 30 October 2024). 

Reviewed by Dr Shonit Jagmohan, B.Optom (Hons), FIAOMC, IACMM, Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber, Fellowship Chair for the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Oceania). Last reviewed October 2026.