Ectasia

Ectasia is an eye condition characterized by a bulging of the cornea. This visual impairment is also called “iatrogenic keratoconus” or “secondary keratoconus” because it is a surgically-induced version of the naturally-occurring eye condition keratoconus. Ectasia is a very serious complication of LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).

Causes of Ectasia

Ectasia is associated with LASIK because during the procedure to correct vision, the cornea is penetrated more deeply than in other procedures. This can cause excessive thinning and structural compromise of the cornea may result. The following factors have been known to contribute to ectasia:

A patient’s corneal thickness not adequate for LASIK
The microkeratome cuts a thicker flap than it should have
The patient already had a form of keratoconus prior to surgery (forme frusta keratoconus) that was not detected.

Ectasia is typically detected in the first year or two following LASIK but may also be found later. As with any progressive condition, the earlier it is caught, the more likely treatment will be successful.

Ectasia is diagnosed with corneal topography but can also be seen in confocal microscopy or Artemis VHF digital ultrasound.

Treatment of Ectasia

As with keratoconus, gas permeable contact lenses may stabilize ectasia. INTACS are also being used to treat this eye condition. Some cases require a corneal transplant.

If you would like to learn more about ectasia or if you had LASIK and feel you may now have developed ectasia, please contact an experienced and highly trained eye doctor in your area today.