current interventional methods in the treatment of keratokonus

Keratoconus (KC) is a common bilateral, non-inflammatory, and progressive ectatic disease of the cornea. KC is a complex condition of multifactorial etiology; the exact etiology is unknown. The onset of the disease is at around puberty; it progresses slowly thereafter and may become stationary at any time. Management of keratoconus has advanced during the last few years and is still in progress. Spectacles and contact lenses can be sufficient to correct the refractive error in early and some moderate cases of KC. In the past, penetrating keratoplasty was the only surgical treatment in advanced KC with corneal opacities. Nowadays, modern managements have been developed to stop the progression of the disease, to rehabilitate vision, or to achieve both. The purpose of this article is to collect literature about current interventional methods in the treatment of KC, such as corneal collagen cross-linking, intracorneal rings, conductive keratoplasty, intraocular refractive lenses, lamellar keratoplasty, and to take notice of important parameters that affect the decision of the proper management. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2013; 43: 263-9)