Keratoconus Treatment & Cornea Transplant in Israel

Keratoconus is a degenerative non-inflammatory eye disease that leads to progressive thinning of the cornea, which gradually assumes a cone-like shape. It is the most common form of corneal dystrophy. Signs of keratoconus include severe visual acuity loss (gradual), photophobia, diplopia (double vision) and blurry vision. It is usually diagnosed at an early age, with severe keratoconus developing around the age of 30. Depending on the stage, there are several methods of keratoconus treatment. In some cases a cornea transplant surgery is required.

Keratoconus Treatment Methods

Previously, a cornea transplant surgery was the only way of treating keratoconus. Recent developments, however, led to the emergence of other methods, which promise a faster recovery and fewer complications.

You will need to undergo an ophthalmologist exam before a treatment plan can be devised. Based on the specialist’s findings, you will be referred for one of the following procedures:

Intracorneal (Ferrara) Ring Segment Implantation + Cross-Linking (CXL)

Indicated for patients with thin corneas. The goal of this procedure is to “freeze” (stabilize) the cornea, preventing the keratoconus from progressing

Cost of treatment includes:

• Operative procedure
• Disposable materials & equipment

LASIK (Laser Vision Correction – Acuity & Cylinder) + Cross-Linking (CXL)

Indicated for patients with thicker corneas.

Cost of treatment includes:

• Preoperative preparation including an ECG, and blood work up (CBC and CMP)
• Operative procedure
• Disposable materials & equipment

Overall, your expected stay in Israel is approximately 20 to 25 days.

In cases of bilateral keratoconus, the more affected eye will be treated first. The other eye can be treated 3 to 6 months following the procedure.

Cornea Transplant

In some cases a cornea transplant cannot be avoided.

Cost of surgery (on 1 eye) includes:

• Operative procedure
• Disposable materials & transplanted cornea

Workup and treatment will take place at Assuta Medical Center.