Closeup of eye

Keratoconus

Have you noticed that your cornea is a different shape than the slight curve of contact lenses? Are you noticing changes in your vision?

You may have a condition called keratoconus that can be treated with specialized treatment at our Erie, PA, office.

Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie has a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, ideal for treating keratoconus.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge. When the cornea changes shape, it affects how light enters the eye and consequently distorts vision.
Side view comparison of normal eye and eye with keratoconus
Where a normal cornea is usually rounded, an eye affected by keratoconus has a cornea that looks more like a cone.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Symptoms of keratoconus typically begin to show up in the patient's late teens to early twenties. The condition will slowly progress over the following years, and symptoms will typically worsen. The most distinctive symptom of keratoconus is the gradual bulging of the cornea into a cone, but other symptoms may present themselves, such as:

  • Mild blurring
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Eye swelling
  • Distortion of straight lines
  • Nearsightedness and astigmatism

If you've noticed these symptoms affecting your vision, contact our office in Erie, PA:

Our Doctors Are Cornea Specialists

Emily Washek, DO, is a cornea fellowship-trained doctor, giving her a trained eye to detect and treat corneal diseases. Ravinder Sabherwal, OD, specializes in the fitting of contact lenses for keratoconus. They work alongside Howard M. Levin, MD, and Vincent M. Imbrogno, DO, who are board-certified ophthalmologists in the Erie area who specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of eye conditions.

Together, our team of doctors is well-equipped to provide you with treatment for keratoconus.

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Our eyecare specialists are here to help.

Diagnosing Keratoconus Is Simple

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Our doctors can often diagnose keratoconus during a routine eye exam at our Erie, PA, office by measuring the curve and thickness of your cornea. From there, they can recommend treatment based on your needs and the severity of your condition.

Various Treatment Options Are Available

Treatment for keratoconus aims to ease the symptoms of the condition. The treatment our doctors will recommend may involve:

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Patients with mild keratoconus can often manage changes to their vision with glasses or soft contact lenses alone; however, as the condition progresses, standard contact lenses will no longer fit comfortably on the eye, and other treatments may need to be used.

Custom Soft Contact Lenses

Custom contact lenses are designed for the specific curvature of your eye to correct your vision comfortably.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

These lenses are hard and better at maintaining their shape and position on the eye than soft contact lenses.

Corneal Cross Linking

Cross-linking treatment uses riboflavin drops and UV light to strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea and halt the progression of corneal thinning.

Intacs

These small, curved devices flatten the curve of your cornea.

Corneal Transplant

Surgery is not typically necessary, but in severe cases of keratoconus, a corneal transplant can restore your vision.

"Enough of the chain places... head here." 5-Star Reviews From Erie, PA, Patients

1

Pat Comer

2022

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An amazing team, communication is first rate, care was first rate and the doctor was very thorough great communications skills for sure! Enough of the chain places ....... head here

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1

Winona

2020

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After living in 6 states and 4 countries I can say this is the best place I've ever gone for eye care. Everyone on staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. They genuinely care about you and want to keep your eyes healthy

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Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie

Drs. Howard M. Levin, Vincent M. Imbrogno, Ravinder Sabherwal, and Emily Washek provide state-of-the-art eye care in a friendly and comfortable setting. They are affiliated with leading vision organizations, including:

  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • The American Osteopathic Association

To book a visit with us, call us at (814) 838-9555 or request an appointment online.

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