What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye disease where the cornea thins and its surface shows irregularities resulting in vision loss. It usually begins in puberty, progressing into the mid-30s. There is no knowing if it will progress or not and how quickly it may progress. The disease normally affects both eyes, but one is often more affected than the other.

The Cause of Keratoconus

One unusual thing about keratoconus is that doctors don’t know what causes it. However, some cases show that it may be genetic, i.e., passed down in families. Statistics show that approximately one in 10 people affected by this disease also have a parent with keratoconus. The cornea losing collagen is a common finding, possibly due to an imbalance between the corneal tissue’s production and destruction.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

As mentioned before, keratoconus starts developing in the late teens. Throughout 10 to 20 years, the visual symptoms gradually get worse. The symptoms evident in the early stage of the disease include:
 

• Mildly distorted or blurred vision

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Eye swelling or redness
   

As the disease progresses, the vision worsens and clouding occurs. The patient must also change eyeglass prescriptions frequently due to increased astigmatism. Their eyesight becomes blurry and distorted. They also cannot wear contact lenses because they no longer fit properly.

Complications and Risk Factors

In most cases, keratoconus takes years to deteriorate. However, some people quickly get to the late stage. The cornea suddenly swells and begins to scar and lose its smoothness. This causes the cornea to become less clear, and the person’s vision becomes blurry and distorted.
 

Several factors affect your risk of developing keratoconus. One factor is if your family has a history of the disease. You can also develop it if you frequently and vigorously rub your eyes. Finally, you are at risk of having keratoconus if you have the following illnesses:
 

• Down Syndrome

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

• Asthma

• Hay fever

Diagnosing Keratoconus

If you suspect you may have keratoconus, you should visit an eye doctor for a routine eye exam. They will diagnose you by examining your cornea and measuring its curvature to find if its shape has changed. Another way to diagnose keratoconus involves mapping the cornea’s surface using a computer to produce a detailed image of its condition.

Treatment for Keratoconus

Treating keratoconus depends on the patient’s symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, your eye doctor may be able to correct them with eyeglasses. You may also be asked to wear special contact lenses to correct your vision and keep your eyes focused.
 

Another way that the ophthalmologist may treat you includes the use of Intacs®, a small, curved device to flatten the cornea’s curvature. Corneal transplant and collagen cross-linking, the latter involving a special UV light, are popular treatments for severe symptoms.
 

Do you want to know more about keratoconus? Call Highlands Optometry at (276) 466-4227 or (276) 679-5612, or visit our office in Bristol or Wise, Virginia.