Germans Develop Vision-Saving Treatment for Keratoconus Sufferers

The eye clinic of the University of Jena, Germany, introduced a new treatment method, which is designed to stop the degenerative vision loss caused by keratoconus. The result is a permanent stabilization of the patient's current eyesight.

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye disorder. This degenerative disease causes the cornea to thin and bend to a more conical shape rather than the regular gradual curve. As a result a patient's vision becomes more and more distorted. Patient might experience multiple images, streaking, and light sensitivity. The disease is not uncommon and is usually diagnosed during a patient's teenage years. Once the patient is in his or her twenties to thirties, the disease becomes more bothersome. The disease progresses gradually. Thus far, there has not been a method to stop the progression of the disease. The increasing loss of vision can only be managed with corrective lenses and surgery, with a cornea transplant as the ultimate resort.

However, with the new method developed by the eye clinic of the University of Jena, an effective therapy has now become available, which can stop the progression of keratoconus. This innovative treatment method is rather simple. The effected eye receives an application of special eye drops. These eye drops primarily contain highly concentrated vitamin B2. Then the eye is exposed to a certain UV-light for thirty minutes. This causes a chemical reaction, which results in a cross-linking within the basic structure of the diseased cornea. The end result is a stiffening of the instable cornea, which stabilizes it, permanently preventing further bending. This stops the progression of keratoconus and maintains the patient's current vision without further loss. Eye surgery, and especially a cornea transplant, can be avoided.

This innovative treatment is easy and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Only one treatment session is necessary. Unfortunately, this innovative treatment is still considered experimental by insurance companies. Patients will have to cover the cost for the treatment, which is between 500 Euros to 1,200 Euros, out of their own pocket. As a consequence, currently only a few eye clinics in Germany offer this special treatment method. However, there is the possibility to receive a free treatment, if the patient qualifies for a special study at the eye clinic of the University of Jena, Germany. Patients can inquire about the study by phone at Germany (01149) - 03641-933270, or per email at crosslinking@med.uni-jena.de.