Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, which is the clear dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. It is characterized by a thinning and conical protrusion of the cornea, leading to distorted vision.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory condition that causes the cornea to weaken and bulge outward, resulting in a cone-shaped cornea. This abnormal shape prevents the cornea from focusing light properly on the retina, leading to vision problems.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

The symptoms of keratoconus may include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Double vision or ghosting
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye strain or fatigue
• Difficulty driving at night
• Difficulty reading or watching TV
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

Causes and Risk Factors of Keratoconus

The exact cause of keratoconus is not known, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Risk factors for developing keratoconus include:

• Family history of keratoconus
• Eye rubbing or trauma
• Certain medical conditions, such as asthma or allergies
• Pregnancy or hormonal changes
• Age, with most cases developing in adolescence or early adulthood

Treatments for Keratoconus

Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Glasses or soft contact lenses: To correct vision problems in mild cases
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses: To help flatten the cornea and improve vision
• Hybrid contact lenses: A combination of RGP and soft contact lenses for improved comfort and vision
• Scleral contact lenses: Large-diameter RGP lenses that vault over the cornea to provide a smooth surface for light to enter the eye
• Corneal cross-linking (CXL): A minimally invasive procedure that uses ultraviolet light and riboflavin to strengthen the cornea and slow progression of the disease
• Corneal transplant: Surgery to replace the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea, usually performed in advanced cases where other treatments are no longer effective

Complications of Keratoconus

If left untreated or undertreated, keratoconus can lead to complications such as:

• Significant vision loss
• Corneal scarring
• Increased risk of corneal transplant rejection

Prognosis and Outlook

With proper treatment, most people with keratoconus can achieve good vision and lead normal lives. However, the condition is progressive, and regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes.