Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge forward into a cone-like shape. As the cornea weakens, vision becomes distorted, light sensitivity may increase, and glasses or standard contact lenses often stop providing clear correction. At Milwaukee Eye Surgeons, we provide expert keratoconus care focused on slowing progression, improving corneal stability, and preserving vision. Board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist Dr. Kenneth Weinlander treats keratoconus at our Brookfield office and serves patients throughout Southeast Wisconsin.
Advanced Keratoconus Treatment Options
Keratoconus treatment depends on the severity of corneal changes, rate of progression, and visual impact. Dr. Weinlander brings advanced clinical experience to the treatment of keratoconus and offers a full range of modern keratoconus treatments, allowing care to be tailored to each stage of the condition.
Corneal Crosslinking
Corneal crosslinking is commonly used to slow or stop keratoconus progression by strengthening the cornea. The procedure uses riboflavin drops and controlled ultraviolet light to reinforce collagen fibers within the cornea. This treatment does not correct vision but helps strengthen the cornea to prevent further weakening and bulging.
Dr. Weinlander offers several corneal crosslinking approaches evaluated through clinical studies, including epithelium-on crosslinking, which leaves the outer corneal layer intact and may reduce recovery time. Study-based accelerated protocols use higher-intensity light to shorten treatment duration, while contact lens assisted crosslinking is evaluated for patients with thinner corneas who may not qualify for standard treatment..
Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS)
CAIRS is a treatment option that improves corneal shape and stability using donor corneal tissue rather than synthetic implants. These tissue segments are placed within the cornea to provide structural support and reduce irregular curvature. CAIRS may improve vision quality and contact lens tolerance in select patients with moderate keratoconus.
Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK)
Corneal tissue addition keratoplasty involves adding donor corneal tissue to areas of thinning to strengthen and reshape the cornea. CTAK may be considered when keratoconus causes significant structural weakness but full corneal transplantation isn’t necessary. This approach preserves more of the patient’s natural cornea while improving stability.
Deep Lamellar Anterior Keratoplasty (DALK)
In DALK, Dr. Weinlander replaces the damaged front layers of the cornea while preserving the healthy inner endothelial layer. This technique reduces the risk of rejection compared to full-thickness transplantation and is often preferred when the inner cornea remains healthy. DALK may restore vision in advanced keratoconus cases where other treatments are no longer effective.
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP)
Penetrating keratoplasty replaces the full thickness of the cornea using donor tissue. This procedure may be recommended when keratoconus causes severe scarring or when other surgical options are not appropriate. PKP can significantly improve vision.
Keratoconus often requires long-term monitoring, as corneal changes can continue over time. Some patients benefit from early stabilization alone, while others require staged treatment as the condition progresses. At Milwaukee Eye Surgeons, care focuses on maintaining corneal health, preserving vision, and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Why Choose Milwaukee Eye Surgeons for Keratoconus Care
Milwaukee Eye Surgeons provides comprehensive keratoconus care under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Weinlander, a member of the National Keratoconus Foundation. Patients benefit from experience with both established and advanced treatment techniques, including investigational study approaches not yet widely available.
Our Brookfield office features a state-of-the-art surgical suite, allowing many procedures to be performed on-site rather than in a hospital setting. This offers greater convenience, more flexible scheduling, and often lower overall costs. Patients from Brookfield, Waukesha, and Menomonee Falls receive advanced corneal care close to home.
Schedule Your Keratoconus Treatment Consultation in Brookfield
If you have keratoconus or have been told your condition is progressing, call our Brookfield office at 414-377-5550 to book your appointment with Dr. Kenneth Weinlander to learn more about your treatment options.
