EYEREUM was chosen as ‘Korean KERARING Center of Excellence’ by the global medical company, Mediphacos Inc., for our continual success in keratoconus treatments. And in 2015, EYEREUM was awarded ‘Master of KERARING in South Korea’ for the most number of Keraring implants.

Also, the chief director, Dr. David Kang(David Sung Yong Kang), was appointed one of the 15 Medical Advisory Board members by the American Avedro Inc., which possesses the cross-linking technology in treating keratoconus. He is currently the ambassador in Asia and has worked together with world renowned medical specialists.

EYEREUM has worked with the world’s best keratoconus experts not only to treat keratoconus but also to establish a global safety standard to prevent any side effects. EYEREUM is taking the lead to provide domestic patients with advanced medical technology.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. The exact cause of keratoconus is not yet known, but it usually starts in the teenage years. It can, though, begin in childhood. Also after vision correcting surgery, the abnormally thin cornea can’t withstand the eye pressure and the area below the center of the cornea starts to bulge. This is the most devastating complication after any laser eye surgery and occurs when the minimal corneal thickness was not preserved.

This is why the American FDA has emphasized the safety standard corneal thickness to be 250㎛. EYEREUM, however, leaves more than 400㎛ when performing laser surgery in case of re-operation and shows this result to our patients. As for symptoms, the center of the cornea starts to bulge slightly downward and the cornea becomes a cone shape. This causes progressive astigmatism to develop, creating additional problems with distorted and blurred vision. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea can rupture making interior become murky, or there could be scarring. Also Fleishcher’s ring, a pigment deposition, at the base of the cone, is present. Usually there aren’t any particular subjective symptoms like pain, however some patients do experience blurred vision or glare. As the disease worsens, keratoleucoma may occur, leading to blindness.

Recently, corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) procedure is in the limelight, as it, like the corneal ring implants, is known to prevent ectasia.

1. Keratoconus

Unlike corneal infiltrate which is inflammatory, keratoconus is non-inflammatory. It is a progressive disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone shape, causing irregular astigmatism.

2. PMD Keratotorus : (Pellucid Marginal Degeneration)

PMD Keratotorus, is a degenerative corneal condition, often confused with keratoconus. It usually affects only one eye, and is typically characterized by a clear, bilateral thinning in the inferior and peripheral

3. Keratoglobus

Keratoglobus is a degenerative non-inflammatory disorder in which the cornea gradually becomes extremely thin and changes to a more globular shape. It is caused primarily due to corneal thinning at the margins.

More than 25% of keratoconus patients are in a severe stage that they need a cornea transplant. This is the most traditional treatment method which involves removing the center of the cornea and replacing it with a donor cornea. However, if the cornea transplant shows rejection, there could be serious complications. After a cornea transplant, 80~90% of patients gain a stable vision. But some might be left with a degree of astigmatism, which can be corrected with contact lenses or glasses. The new vision will fluctuate during the first few months following the surgery. And it will take more than a year for a completely recovery.

RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) contact lenses mask the underlying irregular cornea and function as a new refractive surface of the eye. They are custom-made for each patient in order to correct vision. There are other contact lenses for keratoconus; however, if vision cannot be corrected with contact lenses, cornea transplant is the last resort.