Several vision problems can occur as a result of growing age. Keratoconus is one of them. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin out and become cone-shaped, leading to vision distortion. Keratoconus is categorized as a degenerative disorder that progresses from mild to severe with age if left untreated.
Causes of Keratoconus
There are no known causes of Keratoconus, but genetic and environmental factors are likely involved. Around 1 in 10 people with Keratoconus have a parent with Keratoconus.
Keratoconus can be associated with these specific risk factors:
- Family history
- Vigorous eye rubbing
- Disorders such as hay fever, allergies, eczema
Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Symptoms of this vision deformity may change as the disease progresses, but usually, symptoms include-
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Problems with night driving
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Frequent changes in prescription of glasses/lens
Diagnosis of Keratoconus
The ophthalmologist often diagnoses the condition with a comprehensive eye exam. An advanced diagnostic machine measures the shape and thickness of your cornea. This measurement is repeated each visit and helps your ophthalmologist monitor the condition.
Treatment Options for Keratoconus
There are many treatment options available for Keratoconus. What’s best for you depends on the stage and progression of the disorder.
- Eyeglasses: In a mild case of Keratoconus, prescription eyeglasses or lens can correct blurry and distorted vision. However, glasses and contacts will not stop the progression of the disorder.
- Contact lenses: There are specialized contacts that can be specifically fitted to the shape of your eye.
- Specialized contact lenses: hard and soft lenses can be placed on top of each other to treat Keratoconus. For a more comfortable fit, hybrid lenses that are hard in the middle and soft on the outer ring are also an option.
- Intacs: These are corneal implants surgically placed into your eyes to flatten your cornea.
- Collagen cross-linking: This procedure uses eye drops and a special UV light to strengthen your cornea and keep it from bulging further.
- Corneal transplant: When Keratoconus is at an advanced stage and the cornea is significantly damaged, surgery to replace the cornea becomes necessary.
Keratoconus starts mild and usually progresses slowly over several years. Vision can move from blurry to distort and become severely impaired. Are you wondering, will Keratoconus lead to blindness? Feel free to contact us and book an appointment with Clear Vision.
