Keratoconus: Modern treatment in Warsaw and Krakow that stops the progression of the disease
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Imagine that the image you see is becoming increasingly distorted, and neither glasses nor standard contact lenses restore the expected sharpness. This may be one of the first symptoms of keratoconus – a condition that, although it sounds alarming, can be effectively controlled thanks to modern medicine. At SwissLaser clinics in Warsaw and Krakow, we offer not only access to the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, but also safety based on many years of international experience.
What is keratoconus? Understanding the problem
Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and becomes cone-shaped. This irregular shape causes image distortion and, consequently, a significant deterioration of visual acuity.
The disease most often develops during adolescence and usually progresses until around 30-40 years of age.
State-of-the-art diagnostics: The foundation of your safety
Accurate and early diagnosis is a key step to effective keratoconus management. For this reason, at SwissLaser, we rely on advanced diagnostic equipment – the MS-39 corneal tomograph. This device goes far beyond traditional keratometry, offering the precision necessary to make appropriate therapeutic decisions:
Pixel-level progression monitoring: The device’s ability to track microscopic changes allows for an objective assessment of whether the disease is progressing. This is crucial information for deciding the optimal moment to start surgical treatment.
Detailed analysis of epithelial thickness: The MS-39 creates a three-dimensional map of the cornea and analyzes the thickness of its outer protective layer (epithelium). In the early stages of keratoconus, it is precisely in this layer that characteristic changes appear, often long before the disease becomes visible in standard examinations.
Our Authority: International standards and experience at the source
Experience at the Source: Dr. Victor Derhartunian has been performing Crosslinking procedures since 2007, and learned the method in Zurich directly from its inventor, Prof. Theo Seiler.
Treatment of Complex Cases: Safe treatment of thin corneas (sub400 protocol) and procedure planning based on Total Corneal Wavefront technology are routine for us.
Active Participation in Knowledge Development: Dr. Derhartunian regularly participates in the world’s most important ophthalmology congresses (including ESCRS, AAO). This ensures that our patients are treated according to the most current medical knowledge and global best practice standards.
Comment by Dr. Victor Derhartunian, lead surgeon at SwissLaser:
“The message is clear: with today’s technology, in the vast majority of cases, we are able to stop the progression of this disease and stabilize vision. The modern approach to keratoconus is not only an attempt to inhibit its development, but also to improve the patient’s quality of vision as much as the anatomy of the eye allows.”
Our Care Model
Our experience: Practice that provides certainty
In the case of diseases with such an irregular course as keratoconus, the surgeon’s experience is paramount. Dr. Derhartunian brings knowledge gained in leading European centers to Polish facilities in Warsaw and Krakow:
- Practice from the very beginning: He has been using the Cross-linking (CXL) procedure since its official approval (CE certificate in 2007), being one of the first to perform it in Europe.
- Education with pioneers: Specialist training at the University Eye Clinic in Frankfurt and subsequent work at the renowned IROC clinic in Zurich created a solid professional foundation.
- Learning directly from the inventor: At the IROC clinic, he had the privilege of working directly with Professor Theo Seiler, the creator of the Cross-linking method.
- Specialization in combined therapies: He has performed hundreds of corneal cross-linking procedures, including combined procedures with laser vision correction, which allows for an individualized approach to difficult cases.
This is our guarantee that you always receive treatment without any compromise in quality and safety.
Our approach to treatment: Stabilization and optical rehabilitation
The keratoconus treatment plan in Warsaw and Krakow is based on two distinct stages.
Important note on objectivity: The basic, non-surgical, and completely safe method of vision correction for keratoconus remains the fitting of rigid (gas-permeable) contact lenses. They neutralize corneal irregularities and often allow for optimal visual acuity. The following surgical procedures are considered mainly when the patient does not tolerate contact lenses or is looking for alternative solutions.
Step 1: Tissue stabilization – The Foundation (Cross-linking)
The priority is to stop further corneal bulging. For this purpose, a recognized medical standard is used:
Corneal Cross-linking (CXL): A minimally invasive procedure involving saturating the cornea with riboflavin (vitamin B2) and irradiating it with UVA radiation. This creates new collagen bonds, increasing the stiffness and mechanical resistance of the cornea. Statistically, in over 95% of patients, this effectively stops the progression of the disease.
Step 2: Visual rehabilitation – Improving vision quality
Corneal cross-linking (Cross-linking) itself rarely improves visual acuity – its goal is stabilization. Only after stability is achieved can procedures to improve eye optics be considered. At EyeLaser clinics, we offer:
Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL): If, after corneal stabilization, a stable refractive error (myopia/astigmatism) remains, an ICL lens can be implanted in patients with appropriate anatomical conditions, reducing dependence on glasses.
Combination of Cross-linking and ophthalmic laser (e.g., Topo-guided Trans-PRK): Laser surgery guided by corneal topography allows for gentle smoothing of its most irregular fragments, which reduces higher-order aberrations and can improve the quality of vision with or without glasses.
Biological ring segments: CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments): Unlike traditional synthetic rings (PMMA), we use segments made of human corneal tissue (from a tissue bank). This ensures excellent biocompatibility and minimizes the risk of complications such as implant rejection or chronic inflammation. CAIRS segments mechanically flatten the cone and improve corneal geometry.
Practical example: A comprehensive plan for advanced keratoconus
Stage 1: Implantation of CAIRS segments to mechanically reduce large irregular astigmatism.
Stage 2 (after stabilization): Combined Topo-guided Trans-PRK + Cross-linking procedure to further smooth the surface and harden the cornea.
Stage 3: In case of remaining predictable residual refractive error – possible implantation of an ICL intraocular lens.
Am I a Candidate?
SwissLaser Traffic Light System
Green Light
(Ideal Candidates)
Patients with documented, progressive keratoconus, usually under 40 years of age, with adequate corneal thickness qualifying for safe Cross-linking, without central corneal scars.
Yellow Light
(Consultation Required):
Patients with borderline corneal thickness (requiring special modified protocols), patients over 40 years of age with slow progression, pregnant and breastfeeding women (procedure is postponed).
Red Light
(Not Qualified – but alternatives exist):
Advanced keratoconus with deep structural scars or extremely thin cornea. In such cases, rigid contact lenses remain the solution, and ultimately, corneal transplant (keratoplasty).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
about Keratoconus treatment
Co to jest stożek rogówki i jakie są pierwsze objawy?
It is a progressive distortion and thinning of the cornea. Early symptoms include: blurred vision (often mistaken for regular astigmatism), the need for frequent changes in glasses, a “halo” effect around light sources, and light sensitivity.
Jak można zatrzymać rozwój choroby?
The primary method with proven effectiveness in stopping progression is Cross-linking (CXL), which stiffens the collagen structure of the cornea.
Czy sam zabieg Cross-linking poprawi mój wzrok?
In most cases, no. The goal of Cross-linking is to “freeze” the disease at its current stage. Optical improvement is achieved later with contact lenses or additional procedures (laser, CAIRS implants).
Dlaczego doświadczenie chirurga jest ważne?
Procedures on irregular corneas require precise laser and manual planning. Dr. Derhartunian’s experience, gained, among others, under the guidance of the creator of the Cross-linking method, Prof. Seiler, ensures the highest safety standard.
Jakie są niechirurgiczne alternatywy?
The gold standard for optical correction are rigid (gas-permeable) contact lenses or scleral lenses. They often provide the best vision quality without the need for surgical intervention.
Czy stożek rogówki jest dziedziczny?
There is a genetic component – the occurrence of keratoconus in the family increases the risk of its development in offspring, which requires regular topographic examinations.
Czy tarcie oczu naprawdę szkodzi?
Yes. Chronic and vigorous eye rubbing is one of the main mechanical risk factors that can trigger or significantly accelerate the progression of keratoconus.
Czy zabieg Cross-linking boli?
The procedure itself is painless due to the use of anesthetic drops. For the first 2-3 days after the procedure (during epithelial healing), significant discomfort, pain, and tearing may occur, which are alleviated with painkillers.
Czy NFZ lub prywatne ubezpieczenia w Polsce pokrywają koszty leczenia?
EyeLaser clinics operate as private (commercial) facilities. Cross-linking procedures and combined procedures are fully paid by the patient. Some private health policies (premium policies) allow for reimbursement of costs based on presented medical documentation and invoice – this should be verified directly with your insurer. A disadvantage of NFZ procedures in public hospitals is often long waiting lists, which poses a significant risk in a rapidly progressing disease.
Co to jest CAIRS i jaka jest przewaga nad tradycyjnymi pierścieniami (Intacs)?
CAIRS are segments made of natural donor corneal tissue, not plastic (PMMA). This reduces the risk of implant extrusion, infection, or rejection to a minimum, and integration with the patient’s cornea is anatomically optimal.
Czy muszę poddać się operacji?
No. If keratoconus is stable (not progressing) and good visual acuity can be achieved with hard contact lenses that the patient tolerates well, surgical intervention is not absolutely necessary.
Regain control over the future of your vision
The first step is always precise diagnosis and the creation of an individual action plan. We invite you to a consultation, during which we will answer all your questions.
