{"id":27218,"date":"2026-07-10T14:57:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T11:57:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/keratoconus\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T12:50:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T09:50:05","slug":"keratoconus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/keratoconus\/","title":{"rendered":"Keratoconus"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"27218\" class=\"elementor elementor-27218 elementor-24993\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bf2aa7a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2bf2aa7a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62515108 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"62515108\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ae8645b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7ae8645b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65a5a9fc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"65a5a9fc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73f8594b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"73f8594b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">SERVICES \/ KERATOKONUS<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-293bd281 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"293bd281\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Keratoconus<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d79af9f elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3d79af9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the shape\u2014or more precisely, the curvature\u2014of the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye that helps focus incoming light.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7123e64 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7123e64\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" id=\"ti-einai-o-keratokonos\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d75ada7 elementor-align-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"d75ada7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/epikoinonia\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Schedule an appointment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8579036 elementor-align-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"8579036\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#doctors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">See the doctors<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22155e79 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"22155e79\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e718580 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6e718580\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-281bfd9a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"281bfd9a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bbd50b e-con-full elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3bbd50b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:190,&quot;sticky_parent&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-638ea11 elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"638ea11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#what\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Content<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a52205d elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"5a52205d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#keratokonos\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Keratoconus<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c044105 elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6c044105\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#ti-einai-o-keratokonos\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">What is keratoconus?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df72aea elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"df72aea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#aitia-keratokonou\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Causes of Keratoconus<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bf7c420 elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"1bf7c420\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#sybtomata-keratokonou\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Symptoms of Keratoconus<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14a67ac3 elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"14a67ac3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#diagnosi-keratokonou\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Diagnosis of Keratoconus<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1127a6b5 elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"1127a6b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#therapeia-keratokonou\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Treatment<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-226958a7 elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"226958a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#sychnes-erotiseis-gia-crosslinking\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Frequently Asked Questions About Crosslinking<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a108dfd elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"7a108dfd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#keratoplastiki\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Keratoplasty<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-435e7a1d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"435e7a1d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33bc6a75 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"33bc6a75\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-616cc585 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"616cc585\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is keratoconus?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c5124b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4c5124b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the shape\u2014or more precisely, the curvature\u2014of the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye that helps focus incoming light.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17b4f19e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"17b4f19e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe cornea gradually takes on a cone-like shape, causing optical distortion and blurred vision because light is no longer focused accurately on the retina. At the same time, progressive corneal thinning develops, and in more advanced cases scarring or opacity may occur in the affected area. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28fe469b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28fe469b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEven in relatively advanced keratoconus, the cornea may remain clear and the condition may only be detected through specialized ophthalmic examinations. Over time, the most affected area may develop corneal scarring or opacity.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-575fba23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"575fba23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"aitia-keratokonou\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/keratoconus-infographic-600x400-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-27213\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/keratoconus-infographic-600x400-1.webp 600w, https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/keratoconus-infographic-600x400-1-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-759863b5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"759863b5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6abd4302 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6abd4302\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"sybtomata-keratokonou\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Causes of Keratoconus<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b27080c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b27080c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeratoconus does not have a single, clearly established cause; its onset appears to be influenced by multiple factors, such as genetic predisposition, structural characteristics of the cornea, and metabolic processes. Only a small percentage of patients have a family history of keratoconus, and the condition typically affects both eyes, although often asymmetrically and with varying severity.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44fd8f12 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"44fd8f12\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-797125e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"797125e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Symptoms of Keratoconus<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-796ae65c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"796ae65c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeratoconus has the following most common symptoms:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-375bd165 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"375bd165\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"diagnosi-keratokonou\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Blurred vision<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Progressive myopia and astigmatism<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">In the early stages, glasses may provide satisfactory vision, but as the condition progresses, they may no longer provide adequate visual correction.<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dab58a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2dab58a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you experience any of the above symptoms, it is recommended that you get tested for keratoconus.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fb26c6d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7fb26c6d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fda6434 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4fda6434\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diagnosis of Keratoconus<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c71abcb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2c71abcb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeratoconus is often suspected based on clinical symptoms, but clinical signs may not be apparent in the early stages of the disease.<br \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e9eb683 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e9eb683\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHowever, the diagnosis can now be accurately established by analysing the curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea using corneal topography, which reveals abnormalities in corneal shape. The latest corneal imaging systems can simultaneously evaluate the posterior surface of the cornea, where early abnormalities may also be detected. At the same time, these systems provide highly accurate pachymetric maps, measuring corneal thickness across its entire surface. Corneal thickness is a parameter of fundamental importance in treatment planning.<br \/>  \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-570e5651 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"570e5651\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRepeating the examination at regular intervals is essential to objectively assess whether the condition is stable or progressing, and the frequency of follow-up is typically determined based on the patient\u2019s age, visual acuity with correction, contact lens tolerance, and other clinical findings. This examination should generally be repeated every 4\u201312 months.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-228c422 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"228c422\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/keratoconus-diagnosis-600x400-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-27214\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/keratoconus-diagnosis-600x400-1.webp 600w, https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/keratoconus-diagnosis-600x400-1-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4eed7d0b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4eed7d0b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cc43d7b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1cc43d7b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Corneal Topography \/ Corneal Wavefront (CORWAVE\u00ae)<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26646bca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"26646bca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorneal topography is a fundamental examination for diagnosing and monitoring keratoconus, as it accurately maps the curvature and shape of the corneal surface. Using specialized corneal maps (axial, elevation, etc.), the ophthalmologist can identify the area of distortion, its extent, and how it changes over time. The latest systems also allow for corneal wavefront analysis, aiding in the design of personalized treatment profiles using an excimer laser. The examination is also used for the fitting of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses, providing a highly accurate simulation and reducing the need for repeated trial lens fitting.<br \/>   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cb1b595 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6cb1b595\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"therapeia-keratokonou\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt Athens Vision, advanced corneal imaging technologies, such as dual-Scheimpflug imaging and high-precision optical scanning, allow for a detailed evaluation of both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea. At the same time, they provide three-dimensional pachymetric maps and an objective assessment of corneal opacity\u2014valuable data for diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and preoperative planning for procedures such as keratoplasty or intraocular lens implantation.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67616a74 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"67616a74\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-186f382a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"186f382a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Treatment\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41241985 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41241985\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeratoconus and Treatment: Treatment can be carried out in the following ways\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fb3f2c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2fb3f2c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Glasses<br \/><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2899a737 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2899a737\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInitially, glasses may provide adequate visual correction in mild cases of keratoconus, but they do not fully correct the irregular corneal distortion.<br \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1442d489 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1442d489\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Contact Lenses<br \/><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32171f39 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"32171f39\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Soft lenses: limited effectiveness<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses: better vision and comfort, suitable for long-term visual correction<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Hybrid lenses: combine the comfort of a soft lens with the visual quality of a rigid lens<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6090ef03 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6090ef03\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Surgical Treatment<br \/><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-175e6cb6 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"175e6cb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"sychnes-erotiseis-gia-crosslinking\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">UVA Cross-Linking (collagen cross-linking): the only treatment specifically designed to halt or slow the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the biomechanical stability of the cornea. It is performed under topical anaesthesia (eye drops) and is generally well tolerated. With modern accelerated protocols, the procedure takes about 30 minutes.<br \/>  <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Astigmatic intraocular lenses: these are implanted inside the eye to improve vision in selected cases.<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Intrastromal corneal rings: small implants that modify corneal curvature and improve vision in selected patients, with effects that may be maintained over the long term.<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">CAIRS (allogeneic corneal rings): implants made from donor human corneal tissue, offering excellent biocompatibility, and placed using a femtosecond laser.<br \/><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M173.898 439.404l-166.4-166.4c-9.997-9.997-9.997-26.206 0-36.204l36.203-36.204c9.997-9.998 26.207-9.998 36.204 0L192 312.69 432.095 72.596c9.997-9.997 26.207-9.997 36.204 0l36.203 36.204c9.997 9.997 9.997 26.206 0 36.204l-294.4 294.401c-9.998 9.997-26.207 9.997-36.204-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Keratoplasty (corneal transplant): replaces the affected corneal tissue with a donor graft. Keratoplasty may be full-thickness (penetrating keratoplasty) or partial-thickness (anterior lamellar keratoplasty).<br \/> <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12f8a024 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"12f8a024\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-477af29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"477af29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions About Crosslinking<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-028f202 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"028f202\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\"><div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\"><div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p align=\"left\">Collagen cross-linking (Collagen Cross-Linking with UVA\u2013Riboflavin) is currently the only treatment specifically designed to increase the biomechanical stability of the cornea without the implantation of donor tissue (e.g., partial-thickness or penetrating keratoplasty) or synthetic implants (e.g., intrastromal corneal rings). This strengthening is achieved by creating additional cross-links between collagen fibres through controlled exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. Riboflavin acts as a photosensitizer, facilitating the cross-linking reaction while helping to limit UVA exposure to deeper ocular structures.<br \/>  <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c0df03 elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"5c0df03\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-9651\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-9651\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">For which conditions is Cross- Linking recommended?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-9651\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-9651\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p align=\"left\">This method of strengthening the corneal tissue is recommended for individuals with keratoconus, other forms of corneal ectasia, and for stabilizing corneal curvature in cases of corneal instability following excimer laser refractive surgery. It also may have a role in severe corneal infections and inflammatory conditions, although its use in such cases is still considered investigational.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-9652\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-9652\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What are the results of collagen cross-linking?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-9652\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-9652\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p align=\"left\">The primary goal of the treatment is to stabilize corneal shape and curvature, that is, to halt the progression of keratoconus or corneal ectasia. Thus, eyes with satisfactory vision prior to treatment can achieve increased biomechanical stability, significantly reducing the risk of further disease progression. In eyes with moderate keratoconus, a statistically significant reduction in myopia and astigmatism may be observed on corneal topography, averaging about two diopters, often developing gradually over several months following treatment. In cases of advanced keratoconus, however, collagen cross-linking alone is usually not sufficient to provide satisfactory visual improvement. In selected cases, collagen cross-linking is performed simultaneously with or several months before selective surface photokeratectomy, with the aim of improving vision and avoiding keratoplasty, at least temporarily.    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-9653\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-9653\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How new is this method?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-9653\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-9653\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p>Corneal collagen cross-linking in its current form resulted from the pioneering research of Theo Seiler\u2019s team and collaborators at the University of Dresden in the 1990s (leading to the \u201cDresden protocol\u201d). The method received CE marking in Europe in 2006, and in 2016 it was officially approved by the U.S. FDA (KXL System with Photrexa solution). Today, after more than two decades of clinical use and hundreds of thousands of treatments worldwide, collagen cross-linking is an established first-line treatment for progressive keratoconus, with multiple CE-marked devices available and several specialized protocols (accelerated, transepithelial, PACK-CXL for infections, as well as protocols for thin corneas).  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-9654\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-9654\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What are the requirements for applying this specific method? How exactly is the treatment performed?<br \/> <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-9654\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-9654\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p>A decrease in visual acuity in eyes with keratoconus, an increase in astigmatism and myopia or changes in keratometric or topographic indices, as well as a reduction in corneal thickness, usually provide sufficient evidence that the cornea is unstable and the disease is progressing. In these cases, a well-informed patient may choose to undergo corneal strengthening with collagen cross-linking. <\/p>\n<p>The procedure is performed under topical anaesthesia using eye drops and is generally well tolerated during treatment. The ophthalmologist removes the epithelium from the central cornea (epi-off technique) to allow riboflavin to penetrate the corneal stroma. Riboflavin drops are then instilled for approximately 10 minutes, corneal thickness and adequate riboflavin saturation are assessed, and the cornea is then exposed to UVA radiation (370 nm). The duration of irradiation depends on the protocol used (classic Dresden protocol: 30 minutes; accelerated protocols: 5\u201310 minutes). Throughout the procedure, the cornea is hydrated with riboflavin drops and saline solution, and after the treatment is complete, a bandage contact lens is placed and remains in place for 3\u20135 days until re-epithelialization.    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-9655\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-9655\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What are the potential risks?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-9655\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-9655\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p>The application of UVA radiation may, at least theoretically, have a harmful effect on the corneal endothelium, particularly if established safety parameters are not respected. Although the corneal epithelium usually heals within 2\u20135 days, its removal may cause discomfort, a foreign body sensation, burning, as well as tearing, redness, and blurred vision. Although these symptoms are usually temporary and expected, the possibility of corneal infection (infectious keratitis), although rare, should always be considered. When established treatment protocols and safety thresholds are followed, UVA exposure to deeper ocular structures is minimized, and complications such as lens damage or cataract formation are not expected.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md\"> <\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md\"> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-9656\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-9656\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is treatment performed on both eyes at the same time?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-9656\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-9656\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p align=\"left\">Although several centers have already begun performing bilateral treatment on the same day, at Athens Vision we recommend treating the more severely affected eye first, provided treatment is indicated and all safety criteria are met. The other eye can undergo the same treatment a few weeks later. As for the patient\u2019s age, this is not in itself a determining factor. We have no reason to postpone treatment in a 14-year-old patient when there is clear evidence of progression in corneal measurements, particularly as such changes may be irreversible.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-9657\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-9657\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Are the results of collagen cross-linking permanent?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-9657\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-9657\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p align=\"left\">Available follow-up data indicate long-term stability and improvement in keratometric indices for many years after a single treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, age, and the patient\u2019s response to the initial treatment\u2014and given the natural remodelling of corneal collagen\u2014we believe that very young patients may require repeat treatment three to ten years after the initial procedure. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18a07d45 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"18a07d45\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15ae579 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"15ae579\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Recent developments in collagen cross-linking<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44d58b68 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"44d58b68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>eMagine C-Eye technology at Athens Vision<br \/><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cdda98e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cdda98e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt Athens Vision, we perform collagen cross-linking using the eMagine C-Eye (EMAGine AG, Switzerland), a modern, miniaturized UVA platform that integrates multiple established CXL protocols into a single device, allowing for highly personalised treatment for each patient. The device supports the classic Dresden protocol, accelerated CXL protocols lasting 5\u201310 minutes, the PACK-CXL protocol for infectious keratitis, as well as a special protocol for performing CXL immediately following refractive laser surgery (refractive CXL protocol) in patients at high risk for corneal ectasia.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b05be14 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b05be14\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Sub400 protocol for thin corneas<br \/><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-718adc55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"718adc55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne of the most significant advantages of the eMagine C-Eye device is the built-in Sub400 protocol (Hafezi et al., American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2021), which allows CXL to be performed in patients with a corneal stromal thickness of less than 400 \u03bcm while maintaining established endothelial safety limits\u2014a patient population not eligible for the classic Dresden protocol due to the potential risk to the endothelium. The device automatically calculates the individualised UVA irradiation dose based on each patient\u2019s actual corneal stromal thickness, with the aim of achieving an effective treatment while remaining within established endothelial safety thresholds. In this way, patients with advanced keratoconus and particularly thin corneas\u2014who might previously have been considered for keratoplasty\u2014can now benefit from the stabilising effect of CXL.<br \/>  \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f3c0306 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f3c0306\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Combination therapies (CXL Plus)<br \/><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b39d9a9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7b39d9a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn selected cases, collagen cross-linking is combined with selective surface photoablation using an excimer laser, either simultaneously or as part of a staged treatment performed several months apart, with the aim of improving visual acuity and avoiding or at least postponing keratoplasty. Similarly, in other cases, cross-linking may be performed simultaneously with the implantation of intracorneal ring segments.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bc9caa8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2bc9caa8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Clipped Topography \u2014 the personalised approach of Athens Vision (JRS, December 2024)<br \/><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d5774c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2d5774c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe major challenge in combining CXL with laser photoablation in eyes with keratoconus is the limitation imposed by corneal thickness: every micrometre of tissue removed by the laser is permanently lost and cannot be replaced. Conventional topography-guided ablation techniques in patients with keratoconus often require excessive tissue removal to achieve complete correction of corneal optical aberrations, making them unsuitable for this patient population.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75745f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75745f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn collaboration with SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions, the Athens Vision research team contributed to the development of a new approach to designing personalised treatments for keratoconus, known as \u201cclipped topography.\u201d The method was published in December 2024 in the international journal Journal of Refractive Surgery (Kr\u00e4mer M, Charonis A, Arba-Mosquera S. \u201cClipped Topography-Guided Treatments: A Different Approach to Custom Corrections.\u201d J Refract Surg. 2024;40(12):e1003\u2013e1014).<br \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84cf788 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"84cf788\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe key innovation of clipped topography lies in the fact that, rather than seeking complete correction of optical aberrations at the expense of excessive tissue removal, the algorithm \u201cclips\u201d the areas that would require excessive tissue removal (or tissue addition, which is not possible with an excimer laser) and compensates through personalised modification of the cornea\u2019s curvature and asphericity. This achieves optimal regularisation of the corneal surface with minimal tissue removal, while maintaining a safe residual corneal thickness for subsequent collagen cross-linking.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3087abf7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3087abf7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt Athens Vision, the clipped topography method is applied exclusively to patients who are scheduled to undergo collagen cross-linking (CXL Plus combination therapies), where the combination of personalised corneal reshaping with subsequent corneal tissue stabilisation through collagen cross-linking offers optimal clinical outcomes while maintaining safety. This is a treatment that integrates our clinic\u2019s internationally published scientific work into daily clinical practice.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5977556d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5977556d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f9e83ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7f9e83ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Astigmatic Intraocular Lenses <br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f77611e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6f77611e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Their use is indicated in cases of non-progressive keratoconus where vision with very high degrees of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/mywpia\/\">myopia<\/a><\/strong>\/<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/astigmatismos\/\">astigmatism <\/a><\/strong>is satisfactory. These lenses are usually placed in the anterior chamber of the eye through a small incision using microsurgery, and the visual result is immediate when the patient has been properly selected. Furthermore, as we will see below, the use of such lenses in combination with other techniques has helped patients achieve very good results without a transplant in a much shorter period of time.<br \/>  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-508dc83 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"508dc83\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57564091 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"57564091\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60556ed1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"60556ed1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"115\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fakoi1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-27215\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2450b408 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2450b408\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"72\" src=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fakoi2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-27216\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34967d02 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"34967d02\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"73\" src=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fakoi3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-27217\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36730db2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"36730db2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThese are one or two small synthetic implants that are placed within the corneal stroma during a microsurgical procedure lasting approximately 15 minutes. They are inserted in the peripheral cornea, outside the central visual zone. Their insertion provides mechanical support and modifies the biomechanical forces within the corneal stroma. This helps regularise the corneal shape and, consequently, improve visual quality. However, despite the improvement, the patient may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses.<br \/>    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-297774e0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"297774e0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52a0281b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"52a0281b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Advantages<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c8f5374 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5c8f5374\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt is a relatively quick, minimally invasive procedure with rapid visual recovery. It is performed under topical anaesthesia with eye drops, takes 10\u201315 minutes, and the ring segments can, if necessary, be exchanged for segments of a different thickness. Another advantage is that they can also be removed if necessary, making the procedure reversible. The combination of various techniques (e.g., UVA cross-linking and excimer laser photoablation) with intracorneal ring segments can yield good and relatively rapid clinical results.<br \/>    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1125f769 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1125f769\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-837583 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"837583\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Disadvantages<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-479c90da elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"479c90da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor ring implantation to achieve favourable results, careful patient selection is essential. Not all patients with keratoconus are suitable candidates for ring implantation. Even in suitable candidates, despite the improvement in vision, the patient often needs to continue wearing glasses, and vision is usually inferior to that achievable with rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Furthermore, their placement in progressive keratoconus does not guarantee a permanent result, and in such cases, they should be considered a temporary or adjunctive treatment. In contrast, in patients with stable keratoconus, they appear to have a long-term beneficial effect.<br \/>    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1050ee2d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1050ee2d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3929c9bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3929c9bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. CAIRS \u2014 Allogeneic Intrastromal Corneal Rings<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e900a0d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7e900a0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne of the most recent advances in the treatment of keratoconus is the CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) technique, first described by Soosan Jacob (India, 2018). Unlike conventional intrastromal rings, which are made of synthetic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), in the CAIRS technique, the implants are made from processed donor human corneal tissue cut into arc-shaped segments. These curved implants are placed in the peripheral corneal stroma, outside the central visual zone, in the same manner and for the same purpose as conventional rings: mechanical regularisation of corneal shape and improvement of visual quality.<br \/>  \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a754bda elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a754bda\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe main advantage of CAIRS over conventional synthetic rings is the material\u2019s excellent biocompatibility: the implants integrate naturally into the patient\u2019s corneal tissue, potentially reducing the risks of extrusion, neovascularisation, thinning of the overlying tissue, and aseptic inflammation associated with synthetic materials. Furthermore, allogeneic rings can be designed in a wider range of geometries (thickness, arc, curvature), offering greater flexibility in the personalised design of the treatment.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59ad2841 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"59ad2841\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt Athens Vision, the creation of intrastromal tunnels for CAIRS implantation is performed using a femtosecond laser (FS laser), allowing high precision in the depth, length, and centration of the tunnel\u2014parameters that are critical to the final clinical outcome. The use of the FS laser avoids the need for manual tunnel creation with specialised microsurgical instruments, reducing both the duration of the procedure and potential complications (tunnel perforation or irregular tunnel formation).<br \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ce2dc04 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2ce2dc04\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" id=\"keratoplastiki\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAthens Vision is among the first Greek centers to implement the CAIRS technique, with clinical application initiated in 2024\u20132025. The method represents a valuable intermediate treatment option for patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus, for whom corneal transplantation might previously have been the only alternative. As with conventional rings, the CAIRS technique can be combined with simultaneous or sequential collagen cross-linking (CXL Plus) for improved and potentially more stable long-term outcomes.<br \/>  \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50290e67 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"50290e67\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24553ae1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"24553ae1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Keratoplasty<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-896022b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"896022b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe replacement of the central portion of the cornea with a graft from a healthy donor is called keratoplasty or corneal transplantation. Depending on whether the full thickness of the central cornea is replaced or only the diseased layer of the cornea, the procedure is called penetrating keratoplasty or partial-thickness (lamellar) keratoplasty.<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dc8736f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4dc8736f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ca3aefa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1ca3aefa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">a. Penetrating keratoplasty<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-382d86d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"382d86d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is a commonly used surgical treatment for advanced keratoconus. During this procedure, the entire central portion of the diseased cornea is replaced with a graft from a healthy donor. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the case. The donor graft is sutured to the patient\u2019s remaining peripheral cornea under an operating microscope, using sutures thinner than a human hair. After the procedure is complete, the patient may return home. The eye is usually covered with a protective dressing, and the bandage is removed by the surgeon the following day during the first postoperative visit. Visual recovery is not immediate, as it is after laser vision correction or cataract surgery. It is gradual, and the final visual result may take several months to develop.<br \/>       \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1809923c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1809923c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ba55a70 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7ba55a70\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Partial-thickness keratoplasty<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6747a5ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6747a5ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere possible, we prefer selective partial-thickness replacement of the cornea.<br \/><br> In the case of keratoconus, the diseased anterior corneal stroma is removed, while the patient\u2019s Descemet membrane and corneal endothelium are preserved. After the cornea is dissected to the required depth using specialised microsurgical instruments, automated microkeratomes, or selected laser systems, the surgeon removes the anterior diseased corneal lamella and replaces it with a donor anterior lamellar graft from which Descemet membrane and the endothelium have been removed. <br \/>   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47c0ac76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"47c0ac76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis partial-thickness biological graft is sutured into place using sutures that, in this case as well, are thinner than a human hair. The procedure is performed similarly to penetrating keratoplasty, under local anaesthesia and as an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to return home on the same day. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4450a4c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4450a4c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b4665c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b4665c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions<br \/>\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-889f101 elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"889f101\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1431\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1431\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How risky is a corneal transplant?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1431\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1431\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p align=\"left\">In a corneal \u201ctransplant,\u201d whether full-thickness or partial-thickness, a portion of the corneal tissue is replaced. Therefore, it is a tissue transplant rather than an organ transplant, such as a kidney transplant. Corneal transplantation is generally performed to restore or improve vision and quality of life rather than as a life-saving procedure.<br \/>Consequently, graft failure does not pose a threat to the patient\u2019s life, and in most cases a failed graft can be treated or replaced with another corneal graft. If the procedure fails, repeat transplantation is usually possible.<br \/>In cases of partial-thickness corneal transplantation, the risk of rejection is significantly reduced; in anterior lamellar keratoplasty, endothelial rejection is eliminated because the patient\u2019s own endothelium is preserved. Furthermore, because the procedure does not enter the anterior chamber, the patient also benefits from other important advantages, which are discussed below.        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1432\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1432\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Where do we obtain the grafts for these procedures?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1432\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1432\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p align=\"left\">In the case of penetrating or partial keratoplasty, the procedure is performed using a graft from the eyes of recently deceased donors. The European Union and the U.S. have defined in detail the process of donor tissue selection, testing, and transport to the surgical centre where the procedure will take place, as well as the monitoring of the long-term outcome of the procedure by non-profit organizations known as \u201ceye banks.\u201d Accredited eye banks operate under strict supervision and clearly defined operating standards and regulations (similar to blood banks) to ensure that the screening of tissue grafts destined for our patients\u2019 eyes is always thorough and comprehensive. Athens Vision works exclusively with eye banks approved by the relevant authorities in the European Union and the United States.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1433\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1433\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why is finding a suitable graft relatively easy?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1433\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1433\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p>Unlike organ transplants, where the coordination of all parties involved in the procedure is particularly important, time is less critical in corneal transplantation. Corneal grafts can be retrieved several hours after the donor\u2019s death, may remain at the eye bank for testing for several weeks when in vitro culture methods are used, and can be transported by air on ice from the eye bank to surgical centres worldwide.<br \/>As a result, in the U.S. alone, over 35,000 transplants are performed annually, and there is a surplus of more than 10,000 grafts each year that can be exported to other countries. Very careful studies have shown that grafts transported by air show no disadvantage in graft survival compared with grafts implanted at transplant centres located close to an eye bank.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1434\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1434\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How likely is it that the body will reject the graft, and what is the standard recommended postoperative treatment?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1434\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1434\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"3327\" data-end=\"4029\">Grafts are rejected relatively rarely. In the case of keratoconus, the probability of rejection is less than 5%. The reason rejection is relatively uncommon is that corneal grafts lack blood vessels and are sutured onto tissue that is also avascular. For this reason, in routine corneal transplantation, no tissue compatibility testing is performed, nor are donor and recipient blood groups routinely matched.<br \/>Postoperative treatment consists of topical eye drops every few hours during the first few days. Treatment is usually discontinued after 3\u20134 months. Only in a few exceptional cases is additional preoperative or postoperative treatment required.      <\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1xzbsjb\" data-start=\"4031\" data-end=\"4105\"> <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1435\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1435\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What are the possible complications of the procedure besides rejection?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1435\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1435\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"4107\" data-end=\"4755\">The complications of keratoplasty (apart from graft rejection) are the same as those of any other intraocular surgery, such as cataract surgery. These include infection, inflammation, bleeding, increased intraocular pressure, and complications involving the posterior segment, such as suprachoroidal haemorrhage and retinal detachment. These are extremely rare, and even when they occur, they are usually treatable. Because in partial-thickness keratoplasty the procedure remains extraocular, without entering the anterior chamber, and involves only the cornea, these complications are not typically associated with partial-thickness keratoplasty.<br \/>However, in addition to these complications, special mention should be made of the development of postoperative astigmatism. In cases of keratoconus transplantation, postoperative astigmatism is particularly common and occurs in the majority of keratoplasty procedures (average 3.5 D).   <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4757\" data-end=\"5343\">Surgical experience, preoperative measurements, the patient\u2019s age, the size of the graft, the cutting instruments, and intraoperative topography\u2014no matter how important they may be\u2014do not guarantee clear vision without glasses or contact lenses in every case.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1436\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1436\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">When can the patient return to their daily activities after a keratoplasty procedure?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1436\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1436\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p align=\"left\">The patient returns home the same day, and the protective bandage is removed during the first postoperative examination the following day. Although visual acuity improves gradually over several months after surgery, the patient does not need to remain in bed after the procedure. Depending on the level of preoperative vision in the treated eye\u2014which is usually severely impaired\u2014as well as the visual function of the fellow eye, the patient can return to work relatively quickly, provided that the necessary protective measures are taken, including protective eyewear.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1437\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1437\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What are the differences between conventional keratoplasty and selective lamellar transplantation (partial-thickness keratoplasty \u2013 biological contact lens)?<br \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1437\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1437\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"6186\" data-end=\"7133\">As for anterior lamellar keratoplasty, the advantages of the technique include the avoidance of intraocular manipulation during the procedure, which in practice means no risk of endothelial rejection and a much lower likelihood of endophthalmitis. Additionally, in the case of partial transplantation, the sutures remain in place for several months fewer, resulting in less irritation and a lower risk of infection. In this case, the need for corticosteroid eye drops (immunosuppression) is dramatically reduced, thereby reducing the risk of corticosteroid-induced cataracts and increased intraocular pressure, while further reducing the risk of infection. Anterior lamellar keratoplasty is also superior in the event of future ocular trauma, since the strength of the cornea more rapidly approaches that of a normal cornea\u2014something that is never the case with conventional transplantation.   <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7135\" data-end=\"7794\">Equally important for both the patient and the surgeon is the ability to use grafts from older donors, with no limitations related to endothelial cell survival, simply because the donor\u2019s endothelium is not transplanted to the patient. Especially in keratoconus, a lamellar transplant from an adult donor is preferred because the cornea, by definition, has more compact and cross-linked collagen and therefore\u2014at least theoretically\u2014may provide better results. In conventional transplantation, although we always avoid grafts from very young donors in cases of keratoconus, we prefer grafts from donors in their 30s or 40s given the typically young age of patients with keratoconus.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7796\" data-end=\"8203\">The disadvantages of partial or lamellar keratoplasty are the steep learning curve of the technique and the fact that, in 5\u201310% of cases, the procedure must be interrupted or converted to a conventional transplant if an intraoperative rupture of Descemet\u2019s membrane is detected. Furthermore, conventional transplantation does not appear to be inferior to partial transplantation in terms of postoperative vision. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8205\" data-end=\"8686\">In both cases, it is possible to use customised excimer laser surface photoablation using data from the corneal surface wavefront (CORWAVE) to achieve better results. However, it appears that because the biomechanical stability of the cornea is greater with a partial transplant, the long-term results are likely to be better after partial keratoplasty when selective surface photoablation is also performed. <\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"18r9ip0\" data-start=\"8688\" data-end=\"8824\"> <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1438\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1438\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">I have had keratoplasty in the past and my vision is not satisfactory. Is there anything else I can do besides contact lenses?<br \/> <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1438\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1438\"><div class=\"tm-row wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_column-gap-default tm-zindex-0 vc_row container tm-bgimage-position-center_center\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"wpb_column tm-column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 tm-zindex-0\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_do_toggle vc_toggle vc_toggle_default vc_toggle_color_skincolor vc_toggle_size_md vc_toggle_active\">\n<div class=\"vc_toggle_content\">\n<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"6186\" data-end=\"7133\">In older grafts, after examining endothelial status, corneal thickness, and the repeatability of keratometric measurements, it is often possible to further improve vision using customised excimer laser surface photoablation with data from the corneal surface wavefront (CORWAVE). Furthermore, significant visual improvement may also be achieved with toric intraocular lenses in selected cases. Re-transplantation is also a viable solution but is rarely our first choice. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42448db e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"42448db\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5863f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e5863f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A doctor who specializes in this condition<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-817db37 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"817db37\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2c4258 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f2c4258\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc80b3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"bc80b3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/anastasioscharonis-1-450x500-7.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-27181\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/anastasioscharonis-1-450x500-7.jpg 450w, https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/anastasioscharonis-1-450x500-7-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a49fe6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8a49fe6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0829435 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0829435\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Anastasios Charonis<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5817369 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5817369\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Ph.D. from the University of Freiburg, Board Certified by the American and European Boards of Ophthalmology<br \/> <\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3457f56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3457f56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpecialties: Corneal Surgery \u2013 Transplants, Cataracts, Refractive Surgery, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d7a9d elementor-align-stretch elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"a7d7a9d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/anastasios-charonis\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Full CV<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SERVICES \/ KERATOKONUS Keratoconus Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the shape\u2014or more precisely, the curvature\u2014of the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye that helps focus incoming light. Schedule an appointment See the doctors Content Keratoconus What is keratoconus? Causes of Keratoconus Symptoms of Keratoconus Diagnosis of Keratoconus Treatment Frequently Asked Questions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27218","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27218"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27218\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27673,"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27218\/revisions\/27673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/athensvision.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}