Are there any recent developments allowing those with kerataconus to get LASIK?

Question

I am terribly near-sighted, with astigmatism and kerataconus.

any technology on the horizon that would eliminate the need for a corneal transplant?

Answer 1

Judy B is right. LASIK can actually cause keratoconus! It thins out the corneas, and keratoconus patients' corneas are already too thin.

Have you heard of Intacts corneal implants? They reshape the cornea, and may be appropriate if contacts no longer sufficiently correct your vision. Here's a website about them:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/inserts.htm

Have you visited the http://kcsupport.org website? The discussion forums on there can keep you informed about new keratoconus treatments.

Good luck with your eyes.

Answer 2

LASIK is absolutely a no-no for keratoconus and, even if done, would not improve vision. LASIK is a substitute for glasses and glasses do not provide good vision for keratoconics.

In keratoconus the cornea thins and becomes irregular. The extreme thinning is bad, leads to scarring and possibly could lead to preforation of the cornea. LASIK makes the cornea even thinner so the effects of keratoconus would be worse.

If your keratoconus progresses to the point where rigid contact lenses do not provide good vision, then you may need a corneal transplant.