What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes and often begins during a person’s teens or early 20s.
Symptoms of Keratoconus:
The changes to the cornea can result in blurred vision, light streaking, seeing double, glare at night, and halos around lights. As the condition progresses, the symptoms typically get worse and might include:
- Increasingly blurred or distorted vision
- Increased nearsightedness or astigmatism, leading to frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Inability to wear contact lenses due to discomfort
Treatment for Keratoconus:
Treatment for keratoconus varies depending on the severity of the condition. Options may include:
- Eyeglasses or Soft Contact Lenses: In early stages, the mild visual distortion can be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.
- Hard Contact Lenses: As the condition progresses, rigid, gas permeable contact lenses might be recommended to correct vision more effectively.
- Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): This relatively new treatment involves using ultraviolet light and vitamin B2 drops to strengthen the cornea.
- Intacs: These are small curved devices inserted into the cornea to flatten the cone shape and improve vision.
- Corneal Transplant: In severe cases, a corneal transplant might be necessary.
It’s important to have regular follow-up appointments and to adjust the treatment as needed.
Prevention of Keratoconus:
The cause of keratoconus is not entirely understood, making prevention challenging. However, it’s believed that excessive eye rubbing can contribute to the progression of the disease. Therefore, avoiding eye rubbing is often recommended, especially for people with allergies that affect their eyes. Genetic factors also play a role, so being aware of family history can be important.
Please note that this information is provided for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. If you suspect you have any eye-related concerns, it is important to consult with an eye care professional for a proper evaluation and personalized recommendations.