Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasias.
Conditions in which the cornea loses firmness and thins, changing its shape and distorting vision. They require precise diagnosis and personalized treatment based on the stage of progression, the patient's age and corneal structure.
Precise diagnosis, personalized treatment.
At VISTAR we don't use a single method for every patient. We offer the full spectrum of techniques to stabilize the cornea and improve vision.
We select the technique that truly fits based on each case's diagnostic studies — not on generic protocols.
Techniques we use.
The indication is not based solely on the "stage" of keratoconus, but on the real characteristics of the cornea and the achievable visual quality.
Corneal crosslinking (CXL)
A fundamental procedure to halt the progression of keratoconus. It increases corneal rigidity and reduces the risk of progressive deformation. We use standard or accelerated protocols depending on corneal thickness.
Topography-guided crosslinking
Indicated when the cornea needs focal reinforcement in specific areas. Useful in irregular cases or with asymmetric risk of progression — it personalizes treatment to the real corneal map.
Intracorneal rings
Indicated when the corneal shape needs to be regularized to improve visual quality. We select type, thickness and position based on real topography, not generic protocols.
Transepithelial PRK + crosslinking
A combined technique to improve the cornea's optical regularity and reinforce its structure in a single procedure. Indicated in selected cases with significant distortion and sufficient corneal thickness.
Special contact lenses
Indicated when the patient is not a surgical candidate. They include scleral, hybrid or gas-permeable lenses, depending on the degree of irregularity and the patient's tolerance.
Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL)
In patients with stable keratoconus and adequate internal ocular anatomy, they allow high prescriptions to be corrected without operating on the cornea — keeping the corneal structure intact.
DALK (lamellar keratoplasty)
A deep anterior lamellar transplant, reserved for advanced cases when the endothelial layer is preserved. Faster recovery and lower rejection risk than a full transplant.
Penetrating keratoplasty
A full corneal transplant, reserved for advanced cases where corneal shape or transparency no longer allows functional vision. It is the final option when other techniques are not viable.
Criteria for choosing treatment.
Managing keratoconus is not linear. Each cornea presents a different pattern. We select treatment based on:
- Corneal topography
- Anterior segment tomography
- Corneal thickness (pachymetry)
- Corneal biomechanics
- Case stability
- The patient's age
- Real visual needs
An honest assessment, a precise diagnosis and a treatment focused on halting progression and improving visual function — avoiding unnecessary interventions.
Related articles
More reading on this procedure from our ophthalmology specialists.
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Cornea
Keratoconus: Early Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Keratoconus thins the cornea and distorts vision. Detected early, cross-linking halts its progression.
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Many eye diseases cause no symptoms until it is too late. An annual exam is the best investment.
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Retina
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Straight lines that appear wavy or a central spot: may be AMD symptoms. Early detection is key.
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What our patients ask.
Direct answers about procedures, recovery times, candidacy and cost. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact us and a specialist will reply personally.
Candidacy is determined in a pre-assessment including corneal topography, pachymetry, refraction and fundus exam. At ViSTAR we only operate when it truly makes sense.
No. We use topical anesthetic drops that completely eliminate pain. The procedure lasts about 10 minutes per eye.
For FemtoLASIK: functional vision in 24 hours. For PRK: 5 to 10 days. For cataract with Premium IOL: clear vision in 24–48 hours.
Refractive surgery ranges from $25,000 to $45,000 MXN per eye. We offer interest-free payment plans.
A Premium Intraocular Lens replaces the crystalline lens and lets you see far, intermediate and near without glasses.
Yes. We offer corneal cross-linking, intrastromal rings and scleral lenses. Early topography-based diagnosis is key.
The corneal change is usually stable, though vision may shift over time due to age, presbyopia or other eye conditions — natural processes independent of the surgery.
Come accompanied, with no makeup or perfume. The full visit takes between 60 and 90 minutes including prep and immediate post-op.
Yes. We receive patients from Chihuahua, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. We coordinate prior virtual consultation and surgery in the same trip when possible.
We use femtosecond laser, excimer laser with active eye tracking, and Scheimpflug systems for 3D corneal topography. Alcon, Johnson & Johnson and Zeiss platforms.