What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus results when your cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. As your cornea changes shape the light rays entering your eyes gradually becomes out of focus. The result of Keratoconus is that your vision becomes distorted and blurry.

Who does Keratoconus Affect?

People who want to drive at night or depend on reading are the most likely to develop this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

Symptoms of Keratoconus may occur or progress differently in each eye. Early signs of this condition can include:

• Slight blurring or distortion of vision accompanied by straight lines looking wavy or bent
• Increased sensitivity to glare and light
• Eye swelling or redness

In later stages, symptoms often include:

• Increase of distorted or blurry vision
• Increased astigmatism (eyes cannot focus as well as they should) or nearsightedness.
• Inability to wear contact lenses because they have become uncomfortable due to not fitting properly.

How is Keratoconus Treated?

Keratoconus treatment depends on your symptoms. Mild symptoms are generally corrected with eyeglasses. Special hard contact lenses may be needed later to ensure your vision has the proper focus. Other treatments for keratoconus include:

Intacs – a small curved device an ophthalmologist surgically places in your cornea. Intacs improves vision by helping to flatten the curve of your cornea.

Collagen cross-linking – a special UV light and eye drops that strengthen the cornea. This can stiffen the cornea by preventing it from bulging further.

Corneal transplant – severe symptoms may suggest a corneal transplant that replaces all or part of the diseased cornea with healthy donor cornea tissue.