From £1,800 per eye · complimentary assessment
Combining extensive clinical expertise with advanced treatment technology, The Harley Street Eye Centre provides a tailored approach to the assessment, monitoring and treatment of keratoconus.
If you are living with keratoconus, symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, changing prescriptions, and increasing dependence on glasses or contact lenses can become a growing challenge. As keratoconus affects the shape and strength of the cornea, treatment often focuses on stabilising the condition, improving visual quality and supporting long-term eye health.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, we believe exceptional eye care begins with careful assessment and personalised treatment planning. From diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up care, our approach is centred on transparency, safety and high clinical standards, with a focus on helping patients make confident, considered decisions about their keratoconus treatment options.
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape and structure of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Instead of maintaining its normal, rounded shape, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and bulges forward into a more cone-like shape. This change in shape affects how light is focused inside the eye, leading to blurred, distorted or fluctuating vision that cannot always be fully corrected with glasses.
Keratoconus often begins in the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress over time, although the rate and severity vary from person to person. Early diagnosis and careful monitoring are important, as treatment can help stabilise the condition, improve visual quality and support long-term eye health.
Keratoconus can affect vision in different ways, and symptoms often develop gradually. In the early stages, changes may be subtle and easily mistaken for a routine change in prescription.
Common symptoms of keratoconus may include:
As the condition progresses, vision can become increasingly irregular, and glasses may no longer provide adequate correction. As symptoms can overlap with other vision problems, a detailed eye examination and corneal assessment are important for confirming a diagnosis and determining the most appropriate management approach.
Keratoconus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination and detailed corneal assessment. As early changes can sometimes be subtle, advanced imaging and diagnostic testing are often needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the stage of the condition.
Assessment may include:
These tests help determine whether keratoconus is present, how advanced it is, and whether there are signs of progression. Early diagnosis is important, as timely treatment and monitoring can help slow progression, support long-term corneal health and guide the most appropriate management approach.
Keratoconus treatment depends on the stage of the condition, the shape and strength of the cornea, visual symptoms and long-term treatment goals. Some treatments are designed to slow or stop progression, while others aim to improve corneal shape, visual quality or structural support.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, we offer a range of modern treatment approaches for keratoconus, including strategies that address both corneal stability and visual function.
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Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive treatment designed to strengthen the cornea and help slow or stop keratoconus progression. The procedure involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and activating them using controlled UV light to reinforce the cornea’s collagen structure. Cross-linking is often used when there is evidence of progression and may help support long-term corneal stability.
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Topography-guided Trans-PRK is a highly customised, no-touch laser procedure designed to address corneal irregularity associated with keratoconus. Using detailed corneal mapping, treatment is tailored to the unique shape of the cornea, aiming to improve surface regularity and visual quality in suitable patients. In selected cases, it may be combined with corneal cross-linking as part of a broader treatment strategy.
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The Xenia Collagen Implant is a bioengineered corneal implant designed to provide structural reinforcement and visual rehabilitation in selected patients with keratoconus. At our centre, this may be performed alongside the Ghabra Technique, an advanced, minimally invasive approach that strengthens the cornea from within through deep corneal implantation.
Depending on the disease pattern and corneal characteristics, treatment may help improve corneal stability, support visual function and reduce the likelihood of more invasive surgery in appropriate cases.
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Intrastromal corneal ring segments are small implantable inserts placed within the cornea to help flatten and reshape areas affected by keratoconus. By improving corneal regularity, ICRS may help reduce visual distortion, improve contact lens tolerance and support clearer vision in suitable patients. The procedure is minimally invasive and can form part of a staged treatment plan depending on the severity of the condition.
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For selected patients with stable keratoconus, vision correction may sometimes be supported with an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL). ICL is a lens-based procedure that places a corrective lens inside the eye without reshaping the cornea.
It may be considered in cases where glasses or contact lenses do not provide adequate visual quality and laser eye surgery is not appropriate due to corneal irregularity or thickness limitations. ICL is not designed to treat keratoconus progression itself, but in carefully selected patients, it may help address residual refractive error as part of a broader, personalised treatment strategy.
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Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is a therapeutic laser procedure used to treat corneal surface irregularities, scarring or damaged tissue. Rather than correcting refractive errors, PTK aims to improve the smoothness and clarity of the corneal surface and may be considered in selected presentations of keratoconus or associated corneal conditions.
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In more advanced cases of keratoconus, where the cornea becomes significantly thin, scarred or structurally compromised, corneal transplantation may be recommended. Depending on the clinical findings, this may involve Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) or Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK). The most appropriate technique depends on which layers of the cornea are affected and the overall condition of the eye.
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Hear directly from patients whose lives were changed by surgeon-led care at The Harley Street Eye Centre.
Cadell
Laser Eye Surgery
“This surgery changed my life , it was like night and day. I was back to playing football like nothing happened.”
Joel
Laser Eye Surgery
“I literally woke up the next morning and could see , it was just like nothing had ever happened.”
Amira
Laser Eye Surgery
“My questions were answered. I felt a lot more comfortable and I didn’t feel like I was ever rushed or pressured into making the decision.”
Sharon
Laser Eye Surgery
“I thought that was it… And once I saw him — oh my God, it was like… I said to him, you’re like my guardian angel. Because I just felt safe. I actually felt safe in his hands.”
The benefits of keratoconus treatment depend on the stage of the condition, the treatment approach selected and your individual visual needs. While not every treatment has the same goal, management is often aimed at slowing progression, supporting corneal health and improving visual function. Potential benefits may include:
Suitability for keratoconus treatment depends on the stage and characteristics of your condition, your corneal health, visual symptoms and treatment goals. As keratoconus affects every patient differently, recommendations are tailored to your individual presentation and the way the condition is affecting your vision and daily life.
Factors such as corneal shape and thickness, evidence of progression, visual function, contact lens tolerance and overall eye health all play an important role in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
A detailed consultation and corneal assessment with our team of specialist ophthalmologists will help determine your suitability. Depending on your needs, recommendations may include treatments such as corneal cross-linking, topography-guided laser treatment, implant-based procedures, ICL, or, in more advanced cases, corneal transplantation.
From diagnosis and assessment through to treatment and ongoing follow-up care, our team aims to make your keratoconus journey clear, supportive and tailored to your individual needs. Here is what you can expect throughout the treatment process.
A short film walking you through assessment, treatment plan and aftercare at our Harley Street facility.
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Getting started is straightforward. Contact our clinic through phone, email or book your consultation online, and our team will guide you through the next steps. Before your appointment, we may ask a few initial questions about your symptoms, previous eye history, current treatments and concerns to help us prepare for your assessment. For added convenience, same-day appointments and flexible consultation availability may also be offered where possible.
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You will meet with one of our experienced eye specialists for a detailed consultation to review your eye health, symptoms, visual concerns, previous treatments and lifestyle needs.
Using advanced diagnostic technology, including corneal topography, mapping, detailed measurements and Oculus AXL Pentacam imaging, we assess your corneal health and keratoconus characteristics to guide a personalised treatment recommendation tailored to your needs.
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Following your assessment, your eye specialist will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your corneal health, disease stage, visual function and treatment goals.
Depending on your individual needs, options may include monitoring, corneal cross-linking, laser treatment, implant-based procedures, vision correction or advanced surgical approaches. You will receive clear guidance on benefits, limitations, risks, recovery, costs and next steps to support an informed decision.
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The treatment experience for keratoconus varies depending on the recommended procedure and disease stage. Before treatment, your plan, eye measurements and clinical findings are carefully reviewed, with guidance provided throughout each stage of your care.
Following treatment, structured follow-up includes corneal monitoring, medication guidance, recovery advice and ongoing support to track healing, visual outcomes and long-term eye health.
Keratoconus treatment at The Harley Street Eye Centre starts from £1,800 per eye. As every treatment plan is personalised, final pricing is confirmed following your consultation and assessment, reflecting the most appropriate treatment approach for your condition, corneal characteristics and clinical needs.
Your treatment fee may include:
A detailed cost breakdown will be provided during your consultation, so you understand exactly what your recommended treatment plan involves. Should you decide to proceed with treatment, a £500 deposit is payable at the time of booking. To help make treatment more accessible, flexible payment plans and 0% interest finance options are also available.
Our team of experienced eye specialists combines decades of clinical expertise with a strong commitment to innovation, precision and patient-centred care. Founder and Medical Director, Mr Marwan Ghabra, is a highly experienced ophthalmic surgeon, medical leader and innovator with more than 30 years of clinical and surgical experience.
Dr Marwan is widely recognised for his work in corneal disease, keratoconus, cataract surgery and advanced refractive procedures, with particular expertise in complex and high-risk cases. He leads the team and is regarded as one of the top keratoconus surgeons in the UK and Middle East.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, advanced technology plays a central role in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment planning of keratoconus. Our clinic is equipped with a comprehensive diagnostic imaging suite designed to provide detailed analysis of corneal shape, thickness, curvature and structural integrity.
Technologies such as corneal topography, auto-keratometry and advanced corneal imaging support precise evaluation of keratoconus and other complex corneal conditions. We also utilise the Oculus AXL Pentacam, an advanced diagnostic platform that combines Scheimpflug imaging and optical biometry to deliver a detailed assessment of the cornea and anterior segment of the eye.
This technology helps guide diagnosis, disease staging, progression monitoring and personalised treatment planning. Where treatment involves laser or implant-based approaches, we use carefully selected technologies and techniques chosen for their precision, reliability and suitability for complex corneal care.
Patients fly in from around the world seeking an opinion and treatment from Mr Ghabra
We believe confidence in treatment begins with clear communication, careful assessment, and honest clinical advice, and our approach is grounded in transparency, safety, and consistently high standards of care.
Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan tailored to their eye health, prescription, lifestyle, and visual goals. We take the time to discuss suitability, expected outcomes, limitations and alternative options, helping patients make informed decisions with confidence.
For those considering treatment, we are also happy to facilitate opportunities to speak with patients who have undergone similar procedures, allowing prospective patients to hear first-hand experiences where appropriate.
Mr Marwan Ghabra is the Founder and Medical Director of The Harley Street Eye Centre, where he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering advanced, consultant-led eye care across a wide range of ophthalmic subspecialties, particularly in corneal disease and keratoconus.
He is the developer of the “Ghabra Technique”, an innovative approach to keratoconus management designed to address both anterior and posterior corneal irregularities. Alongside his private practice, he continues to manage complex surgical cases within the NHS, contributes to ophthalmic innovation and clinical research, and remains actively involved in education as a lecturer, mentor and international speaker.
Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, becomes thinner and gradually bulges into a more irregular, cone-like shape. This alters how light enters the eye, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, irregular astigmatism, ghosting, glare, light sensitivity and changing prescriptions.
Yes, Keratoconus is typically a progressive condition, meaning the cornea may continue to thin and change shape over time. The rate of progression varies from person to person. Some patients experience a gradual change over many years, while others may progress more rapidly. Regular monitoring and timely treatment are important for supporting long-term corneal health and visual function.
Keratoconus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination and detailed corneal assessment. This may involve vision testing, corneal topography, corneal thickness measurements, autokeratometry, and advanced imaging, such as Pentacam analysis, to evaluate the shape, structure, and stability of the cornea.
Keratoconus cannot always be prevented, as genetic factors are believed to play a role in its development. However, early diagnosis, careful monitoring and avoiding excessive eye rubbing may help support corneal health and reduce additional strain on the cornea. Managing conditions such as allergies and chronic eye irritation may also be important for some patients.
Keratoconus is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. The condition can run in families, and having a close relative with keratoconus may increase your likelihood of developing it. However, genetics is only part of the picture. Factors such as frequent eye rubbing, allergies and certain underlying connective tissue conditions may also contribute in some individuals.
The Harley Street Eye Centre provides a range of treatment options tailored to the stage, progression pattern and characteristics of each patient’s keratoconus.
Treatment approaches may include:
Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and help slow or stop keratoconus progression. The treatment uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and controlled ultraviolet-A (UVA) light to reinforce the collagen fibres within the cornea, improving its biomechanical stability. While CXL aims to stabilise the condition, it is not intended to restore perfect vision. Some patients may still require glasses, contact lenses or additional treatment to optimise visual quality.
CXL is often most effective when keratoconus is identified relatively early, and there is evidence of progression, such as ongoing thinning or changes in corneal shape.
The Ghabra Technique is an advanced keratoconus treatment approach developed at The Harley Street Eye Centre by Medical Director, Mr Marwan Ghabra. The procedure involves creating a deep corneal pocket using a laser to address the irregular surface for the back of the cornea with the placement of a bioengineered collagen (Xenia) implant within a precisely created corneal pocket, to support corneal thickness, biomechanical strength and structural stability.
This approach is designed to address complex corneal irregularity and may be considered for selected patients depending on the stage and characteristics of their condition. For the first time, surgeons can now address irregularity on the back surface of the cornea without the need for a corneal transplant, which may help reduce reliance on the corneal transplant waiting list.
In more advanced cases of keratoconus, the cornea may become significantly thin, scarred or structurally irregular, making other treatment approaches less effective. In these situations, corneal transplantation may be considered to restore corneal clarity and structural integrity. Depending on the clinical findings, this may involve either partial-thickness (lamellar) transplantation or full-thickness transplantation.
We are experts in this field and are part of a small community of eye doctors with a deep, fundamental understanding of keratoconus.Our team has worked together developing innovative eye treatments, and we bring that same pioneering approach to keratoconus care.
The Harley Street Eye Centre offers a comprehensive, consultant-led approach to keratoconus care, combining advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment planning and access to a broad range of modern treatment options. From corneal stabilisation and vision correction through to advanced surgical techniques and long-term follow-up, care is tailored to the individual characteristics of your condition, visual needs and treatment priorities. Our approach is centred on clinical expertise, careful assessment and ongoing support throughout your treatment journey.
Suitability depends on several factors, including corneal thickness and shape, disease progression, visual symptoms, overall eye health and treatment goals. Some patients may be candidates for stabilising procedures such as cross-linking, while others may benefit from implant-based treatments, vision correction approaches or more advanced surgical care. A detailed consultation and corneal assessment are essential for determining the most appropriate treatment plan.
There is currently no single treatment that fully reverses keratoconus or restores the cornea to its original pre-disease state. Modern treatment focuses on slowing or stopping progression, strengthening the cornea and improving visual function. With a personalised treatment approach, many patients achieve stable vision and good long-term outcomes, although ongoing monitoring may still be recommended.
Your keratoconus assessment is complimentary. An hour with our diagnostic team and a real conversation with the surgeon who would treat you. No obligation.
