Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Here are some key points about keratoconus:

Definition: Keratoconus occurs when the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, instead of maintaining its normal rounded curve. This irregular shape distorts the way light enters the eye, causing blurred vision and other vision problems.

Symptoms:

Blurred or distorted vision, often worsening over time.

Increased sensitivity to light and glare.

Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription.

Difficulty with night vision.

Double vision or multiple images (ghosting).

Causes: The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors, and biochemical processes within the cornea. Rubbing the eyes vigorously and having a family history of keratoconus may increase the risk.

Diagnosis: Keratoconus is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:

Visual acuity testing.

Refraction assessment to determine the eyeglass prescription.

Corneal topography to map the shape of the cornea.

Slit-lamp examination to evaluate the corneal structure.

Treatment Options:

Glasses or Contact Lenses: In the early stages, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may correct vision adequately.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: These lenses provide a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, improving vision by compensating for the corneal shape.

Scleral Lenses: These larger contact lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, providing more stable and comfortable vision correction for moderate to severe keratoconus.

Corneal Cross-Linking: A procedure that uses UV light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops to strengthen the cornea and slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.

Intacs: Small, curved devices implanted into the cornea to help flatten and reshape it, improving vision.

Advanced Cases: For severe cases where vision cannot be adequately corrected with contact lenses, corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) may be considered to replace the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea.

Management of keratoconus typically involves ongoing monitoring and adjustments to treatment as the condition progresses. Early detection and intervention can help preserve vision and improve quality of life for individuals with keratoconus. If you suspect you or someone you know may have keratoconus, it's important to seek evaluation and guidance from an eye care professional specializing in corneal disorders.