Keratoconus
- UK-trained specialist with international fellowship experience
- Prize-winning internationally recognised consultant ophthalmologist
- Elite World College Refractive Surgery Fellow
- Boutique consultant-led service, not corporate volume
- Full spectrum vision correction procedures available
- Referred by fellow surgeons for complex laser surgery cases
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye—gradually thins and bulges into an irregular cone shape. This distortion causes:
- Blurred and distorted vision at all distances
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty with contact lens tolerance
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Multiple images or “ghosting” of objects
- Significant impact on daily activities and quality of life
The condition typically begins in the teenage years or early twenties and may progress for 10-20 years before stabilising. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent significant vision loss and reduce the need for corneal transplantation.
Prevalence: Keratoconus affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people, making it more common than previously thought.
CAIRS - Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments
The Most Advanced Alternative to Corneal Transplant
CAIRS represents a groundbreaking advancement in keratoconus treatment—using donor corneal tissue instead of plastic rings to reshape and strengthen the cornea. Mr Mukherjee was among the first surgeons in the UK to perform this revolutionary procedure.
What Makes CAIRS Revolutionary:
- Uses donor corneal tissue instead of traditional plastic ring segments
- More biocompatible and natural integration with your cornea
- Provides structural support whilst reshaping the corneal contour
- Significantly reduces the need for full corneal transplant
- Can be combined with cross-linking for optimal results
Expected Outcomes:
- Significant improvement in vision quality within 3 months
- Most patients still need glasses but with much better prescription and vision quality
- Enhanced ability to tolerate contact lenses if needed
- Improved quality of life and visual function
Ideal Candidates:
- Moderate to advanced keratoconus
- Contact lens intolerance
- Progressive vision deterioration
- Patients wanting to avoid full corneal transplant
Why Choose CAIRS: This innovative procedure offers hope when traditional treatments have failed, providing an effective middle-ground between contact lenses and full corneal transplantation.
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
The Only Proven Treatment to Halt Keratoconus Progression
Corneal cross-linking is the gold-standard treatment to stop keratoconus from worsening. The procedure strengthens corneal tissue using riboflavin (vitamin B2) and UV light to create new bonds between collagen fibres.
How It Works:
- Riboflavin drops applied to the cornea
- Controlled UV light activates the riboflavin
- Creates new chemical bonds within corneal collagen
- Strengthens corneal structure significantly
Success Rates:
- Over 95% success in halting progression
- Best results when performed early in disease progression
- Long-lasting stabilisation (10+ years)
- May slightly improve corneal shape
Who Needs Cross-Linking:
- Progressive keratoconus (any stage)
- Younger patients with advancing disease
- First-line treatment to prevent further deterioration
Topographic-Guided Laser Treatment
Customised Laser Treatment for Enhanced Vision Quality
Topographic-guided laser treatment uses advanced mapping technology to create a customised laser ablation pattern that smooths corneal irregularities, improving vision quality and reducing higher-order aberrations.
Benefits:
- Smooths irregular corneal surface
- Reduces visual distortions and aberrations
- Improves quality of vision in glasses
- Enhanced contrast sensitivity
- Better night vision
Ideal Candidates:
- Patients with stabilised keratoconus (post cross-linking)
- Those who want to improve vision quality beyond stabilisation
- Patients seeking reduced aberrations and better glasses vision
The Treatment Journey
Our streamlined process ensures you receive the best possible care from initial assessment to full recovery.
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment Comprehensive eye examination and keratoconus evaluation using advanced corneal topography and tomography to determine the best treatment approach for your condition.
Step 2: Personalised Treatment Plan Detailed analysis of your results to create a personalised treatment plan using the most appropriate technology—whether CAIRS, cross-linking, laser treatment, or combination therapy.
Step 3: Expert Treatment Safe, comfortable procedure performed in our NHS hospital setting with the latest technology and expert care from one of the UK’s leading keratoconus specialists.
Step 4: Careful Monitoring Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and visual improvement, with adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Recovery Timeline
Day 1-3: Initial healing phase with mild discomfort managed with prescribed drops. Vision may be blurry initially.
Week 1: Follow-up appointment to assess healing. Surface healing largely complete. Discomfort subsides.
Week 2-4: Vision begins stabilising with gradual improvement. Most patients return to normal activities.
3 Months: Significant improvement in vision quality becomes apparent. Time for new glasses prescription if needed.
6 Months: Full results achieved with optimal vision improvement. Ongoing monitoring to ensure continued stability.
Benefits of Advanced Keratoconus Treatment
Improved Vision Quality: Clearer, sharper vision with reduced distortion and better contrast sensitivity for enhanced daily function.
Better Glasses Tolerance: Reduced prescription strength and improved vision quality when wearing glasses, making them a viable option again.
Enhanced Night Vision: Reduced halos and glare, especially with CAIRS treatment, making night driving safer and more comfortable.
Disease Stabilisation: Halted progression prevents further vision deterioration and protects your long-term visual future.
Improved Quality of Life: Greater confidence and independence in daily activities, work, and social situations.
Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within days with our advanced techniques and careful post-operative management.
Why Choose Mr Mukherjee?
FRCOphth CertLRS FWCRS – Consultant Ophthalmologist
Mr Mukherjee is one of the UK’s leading keratoconus specialists and was among the first surgeons to perform the revolutionary CAIRS procedure in the UK since 2021. With triple fellowship training and over 20 international publications, he offers hope when other specialists say there are no options left.
Credentials & Achievements:
- First UK CAIRS Surgeon: Pioneering the most advanced alternative to corneal transplant
- 20+ Publications: Contributing to international keratoconus research and innovation
- Triple Fellowship Training: Specialist expertise in corneal disease, refractive surgery, and complex anterior segment surgery
- International Innovator: Recognised globally for advancing keratoconus treatment
Mr Mukherjee’s Philosophy: “My passion is giving patients hope when they’ve been told there are no more options. The CAIRS procedure has revolutionised how we treat advanced keratoconus, offering an alternative to full corneal transplant.”
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Early Warning Signs:
- Blurred or distorted vision that changes frequently
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Eye strain when reading or using computers
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Halos around lights
Progressive Symptoms:
- Severe contact lens intolerance
- Inability to achieve clear vision with glasses
- Double vision in one eye
- Significant visual distortion affecting daily activities
- Reduced quality of life and independence
If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly if you’re under 40, schedule a comprehensive corneal evaluation.
Understanding Treatment Options
When is each treatment appropriate?
Cross-Linking:
- First-line treatment for progressive keratoconus
- Any stage of disease showing documented progression
- Younger patients with advancing condition
- Preventive treatment to avoid future complications
CAIRS:
- Moderate to advanced keratoconus
- Contact lens intolerance despite progression control
- Significant visual impairment affecting quality of life
- Alternative to full corneal transplant
Topographic Laser:
- After successful cross-linking stabilisation
- Stable keratoconus for at least 12 months
- Desire to improve vision quality in glasses
- Reduction of higher-order aberrations
Combination Treatments: Many patients benefit from sequential or combined treatments (e.g., cross-linking with CAIRS) for optimal outcomes.
Preventing Keratoconus Progression
Avoid Eye Rubbing: Eye rubbing is strongly associated with keratoconus development and progression. If you have allergies causing eye itching, seek proper treatment rather than rubbing.
Manage Allergies: Allergic eye disease is common in keratoconus patients. Proper allergy management with antihistamines and anti-allergy eye drops reduces inflammation and the urge to rub.
UV Protection: Wear quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV exposure, particularly after cross-linking treatment.
Regular Monitoring: Annual comprehensive eye examinations are essential to detect progression early and intervene promptly.
Meet Mr. Mukherjee
MBChB(hons) FRCOphth CertLRS
Mr. Mukherjee is one of the UK’s most qualified eye surgeons, offering exceptional care in Colchester. His unique credentials include:
- Prize winning Consultant Ophthalmologist & Clinical Lead – Colchester Eye Centre, ESNEFT
- Specialist in Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and Glaucoma
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
- Elected Fellow World College Refractive Surgery (FWCRS)
- Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) – Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Triple Post-CCT Fellowships:
- Cornea & External Disease –Cambridge University Hospital & University Hospital of Wales
- Glaucoma & Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – King’s College Hospital, London
- Laser eye Surgery & Keratoconus –Emmetropia Eye Institute, Greece
Ready to Transform Your Vision?
Ready to transform your vision? Take the first step towards improving your sight with a comprehensive consultation with Mr. Mukherjee. Discover which procedure is right for you and start your journey to visual independence.