ELZA Institute

15/10/2025

Progressive Keratoconus at 56? Yes, it can happen!

Many believe keratoconus progression stops around age 30 or 35 — and in most cases, that’s true. But it’s really just about probability, not a strict rule.

We recently saw a 56-year-old patient with clear keratoconus progression — no eye rubbing, no hormonal changes, nothing out of the ordinary.

So yes, progression at this age is unusual, but not impossible. It’s a good reminder that regular eye check-ups matter at any age. 💙

15/10/2025

Progressive Keratoconus at 56? Yes, it can happen!

Many believe keratoconus progression stops around age 30 or 35 — and in most cases, that’s true. But it’s really just about probability, not a strict rule.

We recently saw a 56-year-old patient with clear keratoconus progression — no eye rubbing, no hormonal changes, nothing out of the ordinary.

So yes, progression at this age is unusual, but not impossible. It’s a good reminder that regular eye check-ups matter at any age. 💙

03/10/2025

Interesting Case


ELZA Institute
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info@elza-institute.com

05/04/2025

I’m very honored and grateful to have received the Carl Wilhelm von Zehender Award for our work in keratoconus at the 2025 Annual Baltic Sea Conference.

A sincere thank you to Professor Thomas Fuchsluger, Chair of Ophthalmology at the University of Rostock, for presenting this award.

Carl Wilhelm von Zehender was a true pioneer in 19th-century ophthalmology and the founder of the second-oldest ophthalmic journal—making this recognition especially meaningful to me.

It’s an honor to be part of this legacy and to follow in the footsteps of last year’s esteemed recipient, Jod Mehta from Singapore.

Feeling proud, thankful, and inspired for what’s ahead.

10/02/2025

30/08/2024

Are you interested to hear about our latest innovations in keratoconus treatment, including cross-linked Femto-CAIRS and our second-generation customized CXL (ELZA-PACE) at ESCRS in Barcelona? See here: https://escrs-apps.m-anage.com/escrs2024/en-GB/pag/faculty/1436366
I am looking very forward to speaking alongside my friends and colleagues Emilio Torres, Shady Awwad, Paolo Vinciguerra, Pooja Khamar, Boris Knyazer, Lamis Baydoun, Brendan Cronin, Luis Izquierdo Jr., Damien Gatinel, George Kymionis, Soosan Jacob, and Jennifer Rose-Nussbaumer.
-PACE -CAIRS

09/05/2024

How to massively improve vision in keratoconus.
Same 40 year old patient on both sides of the screen!

Hear more about this improvement and the method from Farhad Hafezi himself:

06/05/2024

Addressing Concerns: Will Keratoconus Lead to Blindness?

If you're grappling with the worry of whether keratoconus will ultimately lead to blindness, it's understandable to have concerns about your vision and future. Let's delve into this important question with clarity and reassurance.

Keratoconus, a condition characterized by the progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, can indeed impact vision and quality of life. However, it's crucial to recognize that the vast majority of individuals with keratoconus do not experience complete blindness, especially nowadays with best standard health care and pioneering methods like PACE or Femto-CAIRS

Learn more and book appointment: https://linktr.ee/elzainstitute
+41 44 741 81 81
info@elza-institute.com

01/05/2024

We would like to congratulate our Consultant Glaucoma Surgeon Prof. Kaweh Mansouri for making the global Top 100 Power List for the third time!

The ELZA Institute is now listed as total of 9 times on the Power List since its inauguration in 2014.

To our knowledge, such a concentration of powerlisters in an Institute of our size is unique internationally.

Congratulations 🙌🏼

30/04/2024

Pregnancy and Your Eyes: Understanding Hormonal Changes!

Did you know that pregnancy brings significant hormonal shifts, impacting not just your body but also your eyes? Here's a quick glimpse into the role of estrogen and thyroid hormone during this transformative time:

👁️ **Estrogen**:

During pregnancy, estrogen levels skyrocket, softening connective tissues – including the cornea. While crucial for childbirth, this can pose challenges for those with keratoconus, as it may activate the condition. Our research group has been at the forefront of studying these changes, shedding light on their impact on eye health.

👁️ **Thyroid Hormone**:

Thyroid hormone also influences corneal mechanics. Research, including a large-scale study led by Professor Hafezi, has highlighted the link between thyroid disorders and corneal health. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring hormone levels during pregnancy to safeguard eye health.

Understanding these hormonal dynamics is key to ensuring optimal eye care during pregnancy. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your eye health throughout this incredible journey!

29/04/2024

Understanding the Difference: Visual Quality vs. Visual Acuity

When it comes to improving vision in keratoconus, it's essential to differentiate between visual quality and visual acuity. Let's break it down:

🌟 Visual Acuity:

Visual acuity refers to how small a letter a patient can see on a vision test chart. It's a measure of the sharpness of vision, regardless of whether the letter appears blurred or if the patient sees multiple images. For example, if a patient can read the smallest-sized letter on the chart, their visual acuity is defined by that score.

🌟 Visual Quality:

On the other hand, visual quality refers to the clarity and precision of the images perceived by the patient. It encompasses factors like contrast sensitivity and the ability to distinguish fine details. Even if a patient achieves a certain level of visual acuity, the quality of their vision may still be poor if the images are distorted or unclear.

In keratoconus, achieving a certain level of visual acuity may not necessarily equate to good visual quality. Even with adequate acuity, the quality of vision can remain extremely poor due to distortions and irregularities in the cornea.

This is where innovative treatments like laser technology, PACE and Femto-CAIRS can make a difference.
Remember, when it comes to optimizing vision, both visual quality and visual acuity play crucial roles.

Check our link for more: https://linktr.ee/elzainstitute

28/04/2024

Are You Rubbing Your Eyes? 😧
It Could Be More Than Just a Habit! 🫢

Did you know that excessive eye rubbing can weaken the cornea and contribute to the progression of keratoconus?

It's a connection that's been recognized for years, shedding light on the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind this common habit.

But here's the catch: while rubbing may provide temporary relief, it can actually exacerbate underlying conditions like keratoconus in the long run. That's why it's crucial to address the root cause of the urge to rub, whether it's habit or allergy-related.

If you find yourself frequently rubbing your eyes, consider seeking support from allergists who can help identify and manage underlying allergies.

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