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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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Understanding Keratoconus (KC)

understanding-keratoconus

This month’s blog is all about Keratoconus (KC)—a condition where the cornea progressively thins out and bulges forward creating the corneal shape to be irregular or cone-like. Think of the cornea as the very front window to your eye. In a normal cornea, light rays pass through the cornea and other anterior structures of the eye and bend the light to the retina, creating clear vision. However, due to the corneal shape being irregular in keratoconus, the light gets defocused creating visual blur and distortion.

Keratoconus can start in early adolescence and progresses into adulthood. It affects both women and men equally. Although the cause of keratoconus is unknown, it can be hereditary. About 1 in 10 people with the condition have a parent who also has keratoconus. It, also, has been linked to chronic eye rubbing and Down Syndrome (DS).

Symptoms

KC typically affects both eyes and can be asymmetric, meaning one eye can be worse than the other. In the early stages, symptoms can include mild blurring of vision or slightly distorted vision (where straight lines look bent or wavy), increased sensitivity to light and glare, and redness or swelling. In the later stages, symptoms can include more blurry and distorted vision, increased nearsightedness or astigmatism (which can cause frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions), and not being able to wear soft contact lenses since the eye shape has changed and the lenses are no longer able to fit properly. Usually, keratoconus symptoms take years to progress from early to late stage. However, for some people, the condition can worsen quickly, causing the cornea to scar and vision to become more distorted and blurry.

Treatment Options

Keratoconus can be detected through routine comprehensive eye exams. At Eyedeology, we have the most advanced corneal topography (Medmont) to help map out the corneal shape and diagnose any cornea irregularities. The irregular distortion of the cornea makes vision correction with glasses less than optimal. For this reason, other means of correcting vision are often necessary. Usually, specialty hard contact lenses or hybrid lenses are needed to correct the vision. These lenses are more stable on the irregular cornea than traditional soft contact lenses, giving you a better stable vision. Depending on the progression of KC, other treatment modalities are needed like Intacs, Collagen Cross-linking or even a corneal transplant. Our highly trained optometrists will guide you through the treatment process. We, also, work closely with the best corneal specialists in Calgary to help manage Keratoconus. For more information book an appointment to see us 587-353-5061 or [email protected].

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Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134