To mark World Keratoconus Day (10 November), the Save Sight Institute and Keratoconus Australia unveiled a comprehensive patient resource on corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL).
CXL is the only procedure available to treat progressive keratoconus, which causes the cornea to thin and weaken over time. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea starts to bulge into a cone shape, resulting in blurred and distorted vision and increased sensitivity to light. Severe vision loss can occur if progression is not treated early.
Keratoconus is becoming more prevalent and can be triggered or worsened by eye rubbing. It is often associated with allergies, itchy eyes, and asthma.
The comprehensive patient brochure as well as a one-page summary are now available for free download on the Keratoconus Australia website.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about keratoconus and CXL and to ensure patients have access to accurate, easily accessible information to make informed decisions about their eye health.
This brochure provides evidence-based information on corneal crosslinking, helping patients understand if the procedure will work for them
An Evidence-Based Patient Guide
Keracotonus Australia said the new brochure presents a clear, evidence-based overview of CXL, explaining the procedure, the different types of crosslinking, their potential benefits and risks, post-operation after-care, CXL and young children, and the consequences of not undergoing the treatment.
World-renowned corneal specialist, Professor Stephanie L. Watson OAM, emphasised the importance of the brochure for patient education.
“This brochure provides evidence-based information on corneal crosslinking, helping patients understand if the procedure will work for them, the risks involved, and the potential consequences of leaving progressive keratoconus untreated,” she said.
Real-World Research Underpins Patient Care
The brochure has been informed by the latest findings from the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry, a valuable resource for tracking real-world outcomes of keratoconus treatments.
Dr Himal Kandel, Kornhauser Research Fellow at the Save Sight Institute, said the brochure has been informed by the latest findings from the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry, “ensuring that patients have access to the most up-to-date data on the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of CXL”.
Keratoconus Australia President Larry Kornhauser OAM, who lives with keratoconus, said the brochure was written with input from patients, “to ensure it addresses the major concerns of people with keratoconus who are considering the CXL procedure”.
“As someone with first-hand experience of keratoconus, I know how important it is to have comprehensive and reliable information,” Mr Kornhauser explained.
As someone with first-hand experience of keratoconus, I know how important it is to have comprehensive and reliable information
Resources
- One page brochure summary
- Comprehensive patient brochure
- Brochure launch video by Prof Watson
- Save Sight Institute
- Keratoconus Australia
