Keratoconus Treatment in Brisbane

Stop the progression of keratoconus and restore your visual quality. Access world-first treatments and advanced corneal reshaping from Australia's pioneer in CAIRS technology.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the normally round, dome-shaped cornea begins to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing correctly, leading to distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and irregular astigmatism that cannot always be corrected with standard glasses.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

  • Progressive Blurring: Vision that worsens over months or years, often starting in the teens or early 20s.
  • Ghosting or Double Vision: Seeing multiple "halos" or ghost images around a single object.
  • Frequent Prescription Changes: Your optometrist finds it difficult to get a stable reading for glasses.
  • Sensitivity to Glare: Increased difficulty driving at night or seeing clearly in bright sunlight.
  • Eye Rubbing: A strong urge to rub the eyes, which is a major risk factor for worsening the condition.
Keratoconus Crosslinking (CXL) procedure using riboflavin eye drops and UV light to strengthen the cornea.

How We Treat Keratoconus: The Specialist Advantage

Dr. David Gunn is an international leader in keratoconus innovation. He specializes in a 'toolbox' approach, combining treatments to both stabilize the eye and significantly improve the quality of your vision.

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

The gold standard for stopping keratoconus in its tracks. We use riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and UV light to 'stiffen' the corneal fibers. Dr. Gunn utilizes Topography-Guided CXL.

CAIRS

Dr. Gunn was the first surgeon to perform CAIRS in Australia. Unlike older plastic rings, CAIRS uses natural donor corneal tissue. It is more biocompatible and produces natural visual results.

CAIRSPlan.com

Dr. Gunn co-developed this world-first planning software, which is now used by thousands of surgeons globally to map out precise, customized CAIRS procedures.

Laser Regularisation

For some patients, we use a specialized laser to 'smooth out' the irregular surface of the cornea, often performed in conjunction with Cross-Linking.

Why Choose This Approach?

Tissue-Preserving

We prioritize minimally invasive techniques that delay or eliminate the need for a full corneal transplant.

Customised Mapping

Every treatment is planned using high-resolution Pentacam topography to match your unique corneal anatomy.

Expertise in Complex Cases

Dr. Gunn is frequently referred patients with advanced disease who have been told they have no options left.

Why Consult Dr. David Gunn?

"Dr. David Gunn is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist who has dedicated his career to the research and treatment of keratoconus."

RANZCO Gold Medalist & National Technology Pioneer

Fellowship-Trained Corneal & Refractive Surgeon

Personalized Care: All assessments and surgeries performed by Dr. Gunn personally

What You Can Expect

1. Your Consultation

A deep-dive diagnostic assessment using advanced corneal mapping. Dr. Gunn determines if your condition is stable or progressing to select the best treatment combination.

PENTACAM TOPOGRAPHY

2. The Procedure

Performed as day procedures under local anesthetic or twilight sedation. CXL takes 30–60 minutes. CAIRS uses a femtosecond laser and takes 15–20 minutes.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE

3. Recovery & Results

Most patients return to light activities in 3–4 days. Vision may fluctuate as the cornea heals. The goal of CXL is permanent stabilization; CAIRS aims to significantly improve corneal shape.

LONG-TERM STABILIZATION

Keratoconus FAQs

Can keratoconus be cured?
While there is no 'cure' that returns the eye to a perfectly normal state, treatments like Cross-Linking can effectively **stop** the disease from getting worse, and CAIRS can significantly improve the shape of the eye.
Will I still need contact lenses?
Many patients with keratoconus will still benefit from specialized lenses (like Scleral lenses) for the sharpest possible vision. However, our surgical treatments often make these lenses much more comfortable to wear or allow some patients to return to glasses.
Is CAIRS safer than plastic rings?
Yes. Because CAIRS uses human donor tissue, the risk of the implant extruding (pushing out) or causing inflammation is significantly lower than with synthetic plastic rings.
At what age should I seek treatment?
Immediately upon diagnosis. Keratoconus is most aggressive in teenagers and young adults. Early intervention with Cross-Linking is critical to preserving your sight for the rest of your life.

Ready to protect your vision?

Don't wait for your vision to decline further. Book a specialist keratoconus assessment with the surgeon who pioneered CAIRS in Australia.

Book Your Keratoconus Assessment

Written and reviewed by Dr David Gunn FRANZCO, FWCRS — Corneal, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon.
Last reviewed: 1 May 2026