Keratoconus2023-10-05T09:17:03+00:00

Keratoconus Treatment

STOP YOUR VISION FROM GETTING WORSE

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IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF KERATOCONUS AND HOW WE TREAT IT

Everything you need to know about keratoconus

IN THESE TOGGLES YOU WILL FIND THE DETAILS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

Keratoconus is a degenerative non-inflammatory disease of the cornea that causes it to gradually thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. Since the cornea is the primary focusing lens of the eye, any distortions in it lead to a distorted image projected onto the retina.

As the disease progresses, the cone becomes more pronounced, causing your vision to becomes more blurred and distorted.

Patients with keratoconus are usually very short-sighted and have severe astigmatism.

Keratoconus symptoms and lifestyle impacts

The early symptoms of keratoconus could be a continuous change in refraction (that is, a need to change glasses often). Some patients experience visual disturbance, such as seeing double, halos, glare, ghosting, or indistinct edge of objects. Nighttime driving, in particular, becomes more difficult with the progression of the disease.

The cause of keratoconus is not entirely understood, but it has been proven that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role.

Keratoconus can be triggered by environmental factors that cause you to repeatedly rub your eyes, weakening the collagen layers of the cornea and causing it to lose its shape.

At the Eye Clinic London, we know that the key to successful treatment is to deliver bespoke treatment based on each case. Hence, we will thoroughly assess your eyes and discuss your best options with you.

An examination will comprise of the following tests:

  • Refraction (spectacle test)
  • Ocular examination
  • A dilated fundus examination to check the health of the eye and retina
  • A scan to measure the amount of regular and irregular corneal astigmatism

We have various options depending on your unique case. These include:

  • Customised contact lenses
  • Corneal rings/implants (intracorneal rings/segments or corneal inlays)
  • Intraocular lens implantation
  • Various types of corneal transplantation
  • Topoguided laser vision correction

We are one of the very few centres in the world to perform a combination of various treatments.

The principle is to give you a complete treatment package of therapies that will strengthen your cornea and stabilise your keratoconus and at the same time, correct your vision.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL)

Corneal cross-linking a surgical procedure aimed at:

  • Patients with keratoconus, which is a congenital corneal disease. It starts in early childhood and progresses quickly to result in distortion of the standard corneal shape and curvature
  • Patients with corneal ectasia which is very similar to keratoconus but occurs after corneal refractive surgery such as LASIK, LASEK or SMILE where the cornea has become very weak

What does the procedure involve?

I apply one drop of riboflavin on the eye every 5 minutes for 30 minutes, and then the cornea is illuminated with UV-A light for approx.10 – 30 minutes (depending on the cross-linker used). The riboflavin forms bonds on the stromal layer of the cornea. We cover the eye with a bandage contact lens which is removed 5 to 7 days after the procedure. The cornea will be examined and scanned at frequent intervals to monitor for its stability.

I occasionally offer other types of cornea cross linking like Epi-on CXL. This is where we loosen your epithelium with eye drops or a sponge before putting in the eyedrops.

Corneal ring implants (Intracorneal Ring Segments ICRS)

Corneal implants are crescent-shaped rings that we place in the periphery of the cornea. They affect refraction in the eye by physically changing the shape of the cornea, flattening the front of the eye, and so correcting the irregular corneal shape.

What does the procedure involve?

We undertake the procedure under local anaesthesia. We make an incision in the cornea and create channels in it by using a femtosecond laser to ensure high precision. We then introduce one to two corneal implant segments is introduced into the channel. We offer various implants with a range of implant thicknesses for different degrees of correction.

Corneal rings are designed to remain permanently in the eye, yet we can also remove or replace them if needed.

Corneal grafts

With early detection, corneal cross linking with or without corneal rings implants will be sufficient to control keratoconus. However, if the disease is aggressive, progressive, or advanced then corneal transplant (corneal grafting) will be the only solution. In the most majority of keratoconus cases, partial thickness corneal transplant which is called Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) would be sufficient. But if there is damage to the lining of the cornea then we can perform full-thickness corneal graft. Once the corneal graft is taken well and is stable then i could discuss with you various methods to improve the vision further. For example, you could benefit from laser / phototherapeutic keratoplasty (PTK), or topography-guided laser refractive surgery, or some type of intraocular lens implants such as Implantable contact / collamer lenses (ICL).

Samer Hamada and Eye Clinic London enable patients to experience relief from their eye problems so they can focus on what matters most.

How my eye care services work

 

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP ONE: CONTACT US

Give us a call on 0203 807 5063 or click the button below to book a consultation to figure out which eye treatments suit you best.

STEP TWO: LET’S MEET

Visit our clinic in London’s Harley Street district and we’ll conduct a thorough examination and consultation to get to know your eyes.

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STEP THREE: DISCUSS YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS

Have the confidence of knowing that our team will help you to choose the best payment option most suitable for your circumstances. Our affordable 0% finance can enable you to spread the cost for your treatment.

Our pricing

  • Enjoy 0% interest instalment plan for your treatment for a set length of time
  • To learn more about our competitive prices please visit our Pricing page or give us a call
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Even more information about eye conditions

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Patient Reviews

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”

Annabel Giles, Lens replacement

“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”

Tareq Kass Hout, Keratoconus
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
Ghiath Sumainah

“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”

Sam Brock

“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”

Laura Livesey, Dry eye

“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”

Timothy Thompson

“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”

Lisa & George, Keratoconus

“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”

Amy

“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”

Nat & Rich
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
V Nama
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
Isla Cully, Dry eye
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
Kathryn
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
Charmaine Ghafur

We have replaced some of the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Read more about keratoconus

MORE USEFUL INFORMATION

This article gives a detailed overview of the condition and treatment, with sources. Click here to read more.

This article discusses keratoconus and how it can be treated with corneal cross-linking (CLX). Click here to read more. 

This article provides valuable information and evidence as to why cornea transplant is an effective treatment fo keratoconus in specific circumstances. Click here to read mire. 

An interesting article that suggests corneal cross-linking is a treatment that can remove the need for a corneal transplant. Click here to read more. 

Suffering from dry eyes? Take our 2-minute online dry eye assessment to see if we can help alleviate your symptoms and tackle your condition

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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.

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