Keratoconus Treatment in Italian Eye Hospital

Keratoconus treatment at the Italian Eye Hospital in Prishtina, Kosovo, involves advanced laser techniques and surgical grafts. Options range from a $30 basic examination to $900 for corneal cross-linking and around $1,900 for combined laser correction packages. The clinic was the first in the country to offer the TransPRK SmartSurface method and holds an affiliation with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Prof. Ass. Dr. Arsim Hajdari leads the eye surgery department at the hospital. With over 10 years of experience and 30,000+ procedures performed, Prof. Dr. Hajdari pioneered laser-guided cross-linking in Kosovo. He holds a PhD in ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The facility operates eight specialized departments and employs 10 ophthalmologists to manage various stages of corneal thinning.

Diagnostics for keratoconus

Early detection is vital for stopping the progression of the disease. The clinic uses a Sirius corneal topographer for detailed monitoring. Patients can choose from several diagnostic steps:

• Basic ophthalmologic examination. This initial check costs around $30.
• Corneal topography. A deep scan of the eye surface costs around $20 without pachymetry or $60 with it.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT). Scans of the anterior or posterior segments are around $60 each.
• Corneal pachymetry. This test measures corneal thickness and costs around $60.
• Specular microscopy. This imaging of the corneal cell layer is around $50.

Treatment and surgical options

The Italian Eye Hospital provides various methods to strengthen the cornea and improve vision. The choice depends on the severity of the cone-shaped bulge.

• Corneal cross-linking (CCL). This procedure uses riboflavin and UVA light to stop the disease from worsening. One eye may cost between $900 and $2,000.
• Keratoconus correction package. For around $1,900, patients receive a combined treatment. It includes touch-less SmartSurfACE laser ablation and cross-linking using the Schwind AMARIS 500E laser. The package covers the consultation, planning, and the procedure itself.
• Corneal transplant. In advanced cases where the cornea is too thin or scarred, a transplant is necessary. A partial or full-thickness graft typically runs between $2,800 and $11,200.
• Corneal rings (Intacs). These implantable segments help flatten the cornea to reduce irregular astigmatism.

For international patients, an online consultation with an ophthalmologist is available for around $30 before traveling. You can request a consultation or more details about specific treatment plans through Bookimed.