About Keratoconus
Key Highlights
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Halts the progression of corneal thinning and bulging.Can significantly improve visual acuity and reduce dependence on corrective lenses.Minimally invasive options like CXL have a high success rate with a short procedure time.Helps prevent the need for a full corneal transplant in many patients.Procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of progressive keratoconus confirmed by corneal topography.
- Increasing astigmatism and myopia that cannot be adequately corrected with glasses.
- Intolerance or poor fit of rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
- Corneal thinning and steepening observed in follow-up examinations.
- Vision impairment affecting daily activities and quality of life.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination including corneal topography and pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement).
- Discontinuation of contact lens wear for a period specified by the ophthalmologist (typically 2-4 weeks) to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape.
- Discussion of medical history and any current medications with the doctor.
- Arranging for transportation to and from the surgical facility, as driving will not be possible immediately after the procedure.
- Using prescribed antibiotic eye drops for a few days prior to surgery, if instructed.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection or inflammation of the eye.
- Corneal haze, which is usually temporary but can affect vision.
- Over-correction or under-correction, potentially requiring further treatment.
- Delayed healing of the corneal epithelium.
- In rare cases, corneal scarring or the need for a corneal transplant.
- For CXL, a risk of sterile corneal infiltrates.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediately after the procedure, the eye will be patched, and you may experience light sensitivity, tearing, and a foreign body sensation.
- Use all prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops exactly as directed to prevent infection and control inflammation.
- Avoid rubbing the eye vigorously for several weeks.
- Wear protective eyewear, especially sunglasses, outdoors.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and dusty environments for the first few weeks.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and visual recovery.
- Final visual stability and optimal correction with glasses or contact lenses may take several months.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full visual stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering keratoconus in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for keratoconus in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform keratoconus. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for keratoconus compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 40 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 3-6 months for full visual stabilization | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 140 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 3-6 months for full visual stabilization | Know More |
Top hospitals for Keratoconus in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing keratoconus.
Neha Sharma, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...
Neha Sharma, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had always been passionate about her work, but over the past two years, her vision became a constant source of frustration. Images on her screen appeared increasingly blurred and distorted, and no matter how many times she changed her contact lens prescription, her sight never felt sharp. Frequent headaches and eye strain were becoming the norm. Her optometrist, concerned by the irregular astigmatism, referred her to an ophthalmologist. After a corneal topography scan confirmed a diagnosis of progressive keratoconus, the doctor recommended corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) to halt the disease and prevent the need for a future corneal transplant. The procedure itself was quick, though the initial recovery involved light sensitivity and discomfort for a few days. Over the following months, her cornea stabilized. While she still needs glasses for optimal vision, the terrifying progression has stopped. Neha's emotional journey shifted from anxiety about losing her career and independence to immense relief and a newfound sense of control over her future.
Ophthalmologists for Keratoconus
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform keratoconus and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist