Keratoconus Treatment at Washington Eye Institute
You may first notice that your vision has become increasingly blurry or distorted, even with your current glasses or contact lenses. Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular curvature bends light unevenly as it enters the eye, leading to distorted and unclear vision that can affect your ability to drive, read, or work comfortably.
578K
Americans Affected
Source: NIH All of Us Database Study, 2025
862 Google Reviews — 4.7 Stars — Board-Certified Cornea Specialist
862 Google Reviews — 4.7 Stars
Keratoconus Specialist
What Keratoconus Means for Your Vision
You may first notice that your vision has become increasingly blurry or distorted, even with your current glasses or contact lenses. Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular curvature bends light unevenly as it enters the eye, leading to distorted and unclear vision that can affect your ability to drive, read, or work comfortably.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every keratoconus case is unique, and our team tailors your care based on your stage of progression.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We use corneal topography and tomography to map your cornea and monitor changes with precision over time.
Keratoconus Treatment Specialist
Dr. Joseph Mekhail works closely with keratoconus patients to develop individualized treatment strategies. With extensive training in corneal disease and specialty contact lens fitting, he provides comprehensive care from initial diagnosis through long-term management.
Cornea Fellowship-Trained
University of California fellowship-trained in corneal disease and keratoconus management
Scleral Lens Expert
Advanced fitting of specialty contact lenses for irregular corneas
Cross-Linking Certified
Certified in corneal cross-linking & advanced stabilization procedures
Patient-Centered Approach
Dedicated cornea care with a patient-focused treatment approach
Board-Certified Cornea & Keratoconus Specialist
Why Choose Us for Keratoconus
Our cornea specialist combines advanced diagnostic technology with proven treatment methods to deliver exceptional keratoconus care.
Comprehensive Corneal Evaluation
We perform detailed corneal mapping and thickness measurements to accurately assess the stage of your keratoconus and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Stabilization Procedures
From corneal cross-linking to Intacs implants, we offer proven procedures designed to halt progression and strengthen the cornea for long-term stability.
Specialized Vision Correction
Our team fits custom scleral lenses and specialty contact lenses that vault over the irregular cornea, designed to provide clear, comfortable vision throughout the day.
Are You a Candidate for Keratoconus Treatment?
If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or suspect your vision problems may be related to corneal irregularity, you may benefit from one of our advanced treatment options. Many patients achieve significantly improved vision and comfort.
Our team will evaluate your corneal shape, thickness, and rate of progression to recommend the most effective treatment for your individual case.
Early detection and treatment of keratoconus can prevent the need for corneal transplant surgery and help preserve your best possible vision.
Find Relief From
Advanced Keratoconus Treatments
We offer a full range of keratoconus treatments, from corneal stabilization to surgical correction, tailored to your stage of progression.
Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is the only FDA-approved treatment that can halt the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the collagen fibers within the cornea. During this in-office procedure, riboflavin eye drops are applied and activated with ultraviolet light to create new bonds between corneal fibers.
Cross-linking is most effective when performed early, before significant vision loss has occurred. It can stabilize your cornea and reduce the likelihood of needing a corneal transplant in the future.
How Corneal Cross-Linking Works
Evaluation & Imaging
Your cornea is thoroughly mapped using topography and pachymetry to confirm candidacy for cross-linking.
Riboflavin Application
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops are applied to the corneal surface and allowed to saturate the tissue.
UV Light Activation
Controlled ultraviolet light is directed onto the cornea to activate the riboflavin and create new collagen bonds.
Recovery and Monitoring
A bandage contact lens is placed for comfort, and follow-up visits track your healing and corneal stability.
Custom Scleral Lens Fitting
Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that vault over the irregular cornea and rest on the white of the eye. They provide clear, stable vision and all-day comfort for keratoconus patients who can no longer see well with glasses or standard contacts.
Intacs Corneal Implants
Intacs are small, curved inserts placed within the cornea to help flatten the cone-shaped bulge caused by keratoconus. This procedure can improve vision and may reduce your dependence on contact lenses.
Keratoconus Warning Signs
Recognizing the early signs of keratoconus is the first step toward protecting your vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We use advanced diagnostic instruments to detect keratoconus early and monitor your cornea with precision over time.
Corneal Topography
Creates a detailed 3D map of the corneal surface to identify irregular curvature patterns
Corneal Pachymetry
Measures corneal thickness at multiple points to assess thinning and guide treatment decisions
Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
High-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the cornea to evaluate shape, thickness, and structural integrity
Wavefront Aberrometry
Analyzes how light travels through the eye to detect higher-order aberrations caused by corneal irregularity
Frequently Asked Questions
Can keratoconus cause blindness?
Keratoconus rarely leads to complete blindness, but it can cause significant vision impairment if left untreated. In most cases, vision can be effectively managed with specialty contact lenses or surgical intervention. Early detection and treatment are the most reliable way to preserve functional vision over time.
What is the best age to have corneal cross-linking?
Cross-linking is most commonly performed in patients whose keratoconus is actively progressing, which often occurs during the teens and twenties. The decision depends on documented evidence of progression rather than age alone. Your cornea specialist will review topography measurements taken over time to determine whether cross-linking is appropriate for you.
Will I still need glasses or contact lenses after cross-linking?
Cross-linking is designed to stabilize the cornea and prevent further progression, not to reverse the changes that have already occurred. Most patients still need corrective lenses after the procedure. In some cases, the corneal shape may improve slightly over the following months, which could lead to a change in your prescription.
How long does it take to recover from corneal cross-linking?
The initial recovery period typically lasts about one to two weeks, during which you may experience discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Your vision will continue to stabilize over the following three to six months as the cornea heals and adjusts. You should arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure and plan for a few days of reduced activity.
Are scleral lenses comfortable to wear all day?
Most patients find scleral lenses comfortable for extended wear because the lenses rest on the less sensitive white part of the eye rather than directly on the cornea. A fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea keeps the surface hydrated throughout the day. Proper fitting is essential, and adjustments may be needed during the first few visits to optimize both comfort and visual clarity.
How do I know if my keratoconus is getting worse?
Signs that the condition may be progressing include increasingly frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, worsening blurriness or ghosting of images, and difficulty achieving clear vision even with corrective lenses. Washington Eye Institute uses serial corneal topography to objectively measure any changes in curvature, which is the most reliable method for detecting progression before it affects your daily vision.
Schedule Your Keratoconus Evaluation Today
Our cornea specialist and care team are ready to help you protect your vision and find the right treatment for keratoconus.