A Breakthrough in Keratoconus Surgery

How KeraNatural is Transforming Lives at OCL Vision 

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. Often described as the eye’s natural "watch crystal", the cornea becomes thinner and weaker in keratoconus, bulging into a cone shape and causing distorted vision. 

While mild cases can be managed with glasses, more advanced stages require specialist interventions, and in recent years, keratoconus surgery has evolved in remarkable ways. 

Who is Affected by Keratoconus? 

Keratoconus affects around 1 in 2,000 people in the UK. It is more common in non-white individuals, with a prevalence of 1 in 500, and is present in roughly 1% of people seeking laser vision correction. Many people are unaware they have keratoconus until it is detected during routine scans as part of a laser eye surgery consultation. 

The condition typically begins in the teenage years, though it can occasionally start in childhood. It progresses through a person’s 20s and early 30s, potentially stabilising by their late 30s or early 40s if left untreated. However, because it worsens over time, keratoconus can lead to serious visual impairment if not properly managed. 

Symptoms and Challenges of Living with Keratoconus 

Early symptoms may include blurred or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing clearly at night. In mild cases, vision may still be corrected with glasses. However, as the condition advances, glasses become ineffective, and specialist hard contact lenses are often required. 

For many, contact lens wear becomes challenging or uncomfortable. Patients may find they: 

In severe cases, keratoconus can result in corneal scarring or damage that no longer responds to lenses, leaving corneal transplant as the only viable option – until now. 

Stopping Keratoconus in Its Tracks: Crosslinking for Keratoconus 

Corneal collagen crosslinking, often simply referred to as crosslinking for keratoconus, is the only proven treatment to halt the condition’s progression. It works by strengthening the collagen fibres in the cornea, preventing further thinning and distortion. 

At OCL Vision, we routinely offer crosslinking to patients in their late teens and early twenties – the age group where keratoconus tends to progress most rapidly. For older patients, we monitor corneal scans regularly and recommend crosslinking if any deterioration is detected. 

It’s important to note that while crosslinking stops keratoconus from worsening, it does not improve vision. For those who already experience significant distortion or dependency on contact lenses, additional treatment is often necessary. 

Revolutionising Visual Outcomes: From Keraring Surgery to KeraNatural 

Traditional keraring surgery, involving PMMA plastic ring segments inserted into the cornea, aimed to improve its shape. However, these implants often delivered unpredictable outcomes, with some patients seeing little to no improvement. 

KeraNatural is a pioneering new solution that is changing the game in keratoconus surgery. 

Unlike synthetic alternatives such as Intacs, Ferrara rings, or Kerarings, CAIRS uses human corneal tissue that has been processed to meet rigorous safety standards with all human cells removed. KeraNatural uses a sterilised strip of donor corneal tissue to replace the weakened, thinned part of the eye. This added tissue restores corneal strength, improves shape, and leads to significantly enhanced vision. 

How Does KeraNatural Work? 

At OCL Vision, our expert surgeons use a femtosecond laser to create a precise pocket in the patient’s cornea. The donor corneal strip is then inserted into this pocket, where it remains permanently. The shape of the cornea becomes more regular, not entirely normal but vastly improved compared to its original state. 

In around 5% of cases, we can adjust the placement post-procedure to fine-tune results. This may involve repositioning the tissue, adding a second strip, or reducing the amount of tissue used. 

Many patients experience: 

It’s not just visual acuity that improves – it’s comfort, freedom, and quality of life. 

Why Choose OCL Vision for Keratoconus Surgery? 

We were among the first clinics in England to offer KeraNatural and remain one of the most experienced centres, with over 30 procedures performed in the last year alone. Our seven specialist surgeons have between 15 and 25 years of experience treating keratoconus and are fully trained in this advanced technique. 

We also stock KeraNatural segments on-site, meaning we can treat patients within days of their consultation, without delay. 

For more information on why you should choose OCL Vision, please visit here.

What to Expect from the Procedure 

A New Era in Keratoconus Treatment 

KeraNatural represents the most visually impactful advancement in keratoconus surgery in the past 25 years. At OCL Vision, we are proud to offer this advanced option to patients looking for an alternative to keraring surgery or corneal transplantation. 

If you or someone you know is living with keratoconus, struggling with contact lenses, or seeking a solution that goes beyond stabilisation – we’re here to help. 

Book a Consultation with OCL Vision Today 

Contact our expert team to discuss your suitability for KeraNatural, crosslinking for keratoconus, or any of our other personalised vision treatments. Together, we can create a clear path forward.