Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This distortion affects how light enters the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Early detection is key to managing the condition effectively, as advanced keratoconus can significantly impact vision and may require more intensive treatments.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea’s structure weakens and starts to thin, losing its dome shape. This change causes irregular astigmatism and myopia (nearsightedness), leading to distorted and blurry vision. The condition often affects both eyes but may progress differently in each eye. While keratoconus usually starts in the teenage years, it can develop at any age and progress at varying rates.

Keratoconus Symptoms

The symptoms of keratoconus can vary based on the stage of the condition. In its early stages, symptoms may be subtle and worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
• Double vision or ghosting (multiple images)

As keratoconus progresses, the cornea continues to thin, and vision can become more severely impaired. In advanced cases, cornea scarring may occur, leading to a significant decline in visual function.

What Causes Keratoconus?

The exact cause of keratoconus is poorly understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of several factors, including:

1. Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that weakens the cornea over time.
2. Rubbing the Eyes: This behavior can weaken the corneal structure, particularly in those predisposed to the condition.
3. Medical Conditions: Down syndrome, connective tissue disorders, and chronic allergies have been linked to increased development.
4. Oxidative Stress: Some studies suggest an imbalance in the cornea’s ability to handle oxidative stress may contribute to its thinning and weakening.

Diagnosing Keratoconus

Keratoconus can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, where your eye doctor will evaluate the cornea’s shape, thickness, and curvature using various diagnostic tools. One of the most effective methods for early detection is corneal topography, an advanced imaging technique that maps the cornea’s surface, providing detailed insights into its shape and curvature.

Treatment for Keratoconus

The treatment for keratoconus depends on its severity. In its early stages, mild keratoconus can often be managed with corrective lenses, but as the condition progresses, more specialized treatments may be required to improve vision and prevent further corneal damage:

• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses: Correct the irregular corneal shape caused by keratoconus.
• Scleral Lenses: Rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vault over the cornea, providing a smoother optical surface.
• Corneal Cross-Linking: Strengthens the corneal tissue and slows or halts the progression of keratoconus.
• Intacs: Plastic inserts surgically placed in the cornea to help flatten the cone shape and improve vision.
• Corneal Transplant: The damaged cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are experiencing symptoms of keratoconus or have been diagnosed, early and effective treatment at Total Eye Care is key to preserving your vision. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about managing keratoconus and improving your eye health.

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