Keratoconus Diagnosis & Treatment in Mbombela
Preserve your vision with advanced corneal care.
At the Lowveld Eye Institute, Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen offers modern diagnostics and treatments for keratoconus, including corneal cross-linking and corneal transplantation.
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the normally round cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) becomes thin and begins to bulge into a cone shape. This distorts vision and can progress over time.
- Usually starts in teens or early adulthood.
- Can worsen gradually, causing increasing visual impairment.
- Often linked to frequent eye rubbing, allergies, or family history.
Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Increasing short-sightedness or astigmatism
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Double or ghosted vision in one eye
Diagnostic Technology
Early detection is critical in keratoconus. At the Lowveld Eye Institute, we use advanced imaging to assess corneal shape and thickness:
- Pentacam – a 3D scanner that maps the entire cornea in detail.
- Corneal Topography – measures subtle changes in curvature, often detecting keratoconus before symptoms appear.
Treatment Options
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
- A minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the cornea using special UV light and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops.
- Proven to halt progression of keratoconus in most patients.
- Typically performed early, before severe corneal thinning or scarring occurs.
Contact Lenses & Spectacles
- Glasses or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses may improve vision in mild to moderate keratoconus.
- Specialised scleral lenses are used in advanced cases.
Corneal Transplantation
If keratoconus progresses to advanced thinning or scarring, surgery may be required:
- Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty) – replacing the diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea.
- Partial-Thickness Transplants (in some cases) – replacing only the affected corneal layers.
- Outcomes are excellent, but recovery is longer compared to cross-linking.
Why Choose Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen?
- Expertise in corneal and retinal surgery with advanced training.
- State-of-the-art diagnostics – Pentacam and corneal topography on-site.
- Comprehensive care – from early detection to advanced surgery.
- Regional access – serving patients from Mpumalanga, Swaziland, and Mozambique.
What to Expect
- Comprehensive assessment with Pentacam and topography.
- Personalized treatment plan – ranging from glasses and contact lenses to cross-linking or surgery.
- Outpatient procedures – cross-linking is a same-day treatment with minimal downtime.
- Long-term care – regular monitoring to protect your vision.
Book a Keratoconus Consultation
If you or your child have frequent changes in glasses, distorted vision, or a family history of keratoconus, early detection is key.
Contact us today to schedule your keratoconus evaluation with Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen at the Lowveld Eye Institute.
