IVF & Keratoconus
Progression
What could in vitro
fertilization and Keratoconus have to do with each other? As it turns out, quite a bit! Keratoconus is a progressive degenerative disorder of the cornea whereby
structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more
conical shape than the more
normal gradual spherical shape. We carefully monitor our patients with
Keratoconus because Keratoconus can cause substantial distortion of vision, with multiple images,
streaking and sensitivity to
light-all of which can worsen if the disease progresses quickly. Researchers
reporting in the Journal of Refractive Surgery alerted us to the fact that drugs used in IVF
treatment increase estrogen levels, which may affect corneal biomechanics and
induce progression of Keratoconus and thus we need to be even more carefully
following those patients with Keratoconus who might also be starting IVF
treatments. If they are determined to be of particularly high risk for
progression, then we might recommend corneal cross-linking treatment to
minimize the risk of keratoconus progression before starting IVF treatment.
If you or someone you know suffers from
Keratoconus and is considering IVF, please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at
205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center, Google+ or
www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter. Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands,
1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine
eye doctors and eye specialists.
