People labelled as keratoconus suspects require great caution, and standard laser eye surgery is often avoided or significantly modified.
Understanding “suspect” status
Suspicious topography may show subtle asymmetry or posterior elevation without full-blown keratoconus, but still suggests reduced biomechanical reserve.
- Irregular or asymmetric bow-tie patterns on corneal maps
- Borderline pachymetry or steep keratometry readings
- High ectasia risk scores in LASIK risk models
- Family history of keratoconus or significant eye rubbing
- Higher vigilance required even if vision is currently good
Possible management options
Depending on risk level, your surgeon may recommend non-laser approaches or combined stabilising treatments.
- Deferring surgery and monitoring for progression with serial scans
- Cross-linking to stabilise the cornea before considering further steps
- PRK with simultaneous cross-linking in highly selected cases
- ICLs or contact lenses if significant correction is needed
- Open discussion that long-term corneal health outweighs immediate spectacle freedom
