What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This can cause blurred, double, and distorted vision and sensitivity to light and glare.

Keratoconus typically begins in the teenage years or early 20s and progresses slowly. It is a relatively rare condition, affecting about 1 in 2,000 people.

 

What Causes Keratoconus

While the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, experts believe it results from genetic and environmental factors.

The cornea is held in place by tiny collagen fibers. When these fibers weaken, they cannot preserve the spherical dome-like shape of the cornea, causing the cornea to bulge outward into a cone-like shape.

Several factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and certain eye conditions, can cause the weakening of the cornea.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

As the cornea bulges outward into a cone-like shape, it alters how light rays enter the eye, which can cause several vision problems, including:

 

Symptoms during the early stages of keratoconus:

• Blurred vision: The irregular cornea can cause light rays to focus at multiple points in the eye rather than on a single point, leading to blurred vision.
• Distorted vision: The irregular shape of the cornea can also cause light rays to be bent or refracted abnormally, leading to distorted vision, such as straight lines appearing bent or wavy.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea or lens is not perfectly round. This can cause blurred vision at all distances.
• Nearsightedness: Nearsightedness is a condition in which the eye can focus on close objects but not distant ones.

The symptoms of keratoconus can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Distorted vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Headaches
• Eye strain

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that tends to worsen over time. In the early stages of the disease, vision problems may be mild. However, as the cornea bulges more and more, the vision problems can become more severe.

There is no cure for keratoconus, but several treatments can help improve vision and slow the progression of the disease.

Treatment options for keratoconus include:

• Eyeglasses and contact lenses: Eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct the vision problems caused by keratoconus. However, as the condition progresses, these treatments may become less effective.
• Scleral lenses: Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens that is larger and thicker than traditional lenses. They rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, rather than on the cornea, making them a good option for people with keratoconus, as they can help correct the vision problems caused by the cornea’s irregular shape.
• Custom soft contact lenses: Custom soft contact lenses can fit the specific shape of the cornea in people with keratoconus, which can help to improve vision and comfort.
• Piggyback contact lenses: Piggyback contact lenses involve placing a soft contact lens over the eye and then a gas-permeable (hard) contact lens over the soft lens. This can be a good option for people with keratoconus who find gas-permeable lenses too uncomfortable to wear alone.
• Hybrid contact lenses: Hybrid contact lenses combine a rigid center with a soft peripheral “skirt.” This can provide the benefits of both gas-permeable and soft contact lenses, such as improved vision and comfort.
• Intacs: Intacs are small, curved devices surgically implanted in the cornea to help flatten it. Intacs can improve vision and slow the progression of keratoconus.
• Corneal collagen cross-linking: Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure that uses ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea, which can help slow the keratoconus progression.
• Corneal transplant: A corneal transplant may be necessary in severe cases of keratoconus, which involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea.

The best treatment option for keratoconus will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s needs. If you have keratoconus, talk to your eye doctor about the best treatment options.

Contact us to find out whether scleral lenses are right for you.

Our practice serves patients from Dallas, Forney, Mesquite, and Plano, Texas and surrounding communities.

Our practice serves patients from Dallas, Forney, Mesquite, and Plano, Texas and surrounding communities.