What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a vision disorder that occurs in approximately one in 2,000 people. It typically begins in puberty and continues progressing into the mid-30s. 

Understanding Keratoconus

You see through the clear, central part of the eye's surface, known as the cornea, which usually has a round, ball-like shape. Sometimes, the corneal structure is not strong enough to hold its shape. Gradually, the normal curvature of the eye's surface can bulge outward like a cone, a condition called keratoconus. 

Irregularities of the corneal surface and corneal thinning are the main keratoconus characteristics. The cornea's middle layer is the thickest part, mostly made of collagen and water. Collagen makes the cornea flexible and strong and helps it maintain its round, regular shape. 

The cornea takes on an irregular cone shape with keratoconus, leading to vision loss. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this disease or predict whether it will progress or how quickly it will do so. It usually affects both eyes, with one eye being worse. 

Causes

Although researchers have been studying keratoconus for decades, the disease remains poorly understood. No one knows the definitive cause of this disorder, though some believe the predisposition to develop it is present at birth.

Some experts suggest that keratoconus results from a loss of collagen in the cornea. That may be due to some imbalance between the destruction and production of the corneal tissue. 

Risk Factors

The following can increase your risk of developing keratoconus:

 

• Chronic eye rubbing
   

• Genetics
   

• Chronic eye inflammation from irritants or allergens
   

• Age

Symptoms

Many people with keratoconus are unaware of the condition during the early stages. The earliest symptom is a slight vision blurring that is difficult to correct. Other symptoms include:

 

• Difficulty seeing at night
   

• Halos and glares around lights
   

• Headaches or eye irritation associated with eye pain
   

• Sudden clouding or worsening of vision
   

• Increased sensitivity to light

Diagnosis

Besides taking a complete medical history and conducting a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor may perform several tests to diagnose keratoconus. The most accurate way to diagnose the condition early and monitor its progression is through corneal topography. The eye doctor takes a computerized image of the eye to create a map of the corneal curvature. 

A slit-lamp exam can also help detect abnormalities in the middle and outer layers of the cornea. It can help identify signs of keratoconus. Pachymetry is another diagnostic test that measures the thinnest areas of the cornea. 

Treatment

Early Stages 

Keratoconus treatment focuses on vision correction and depends on the severity of the disease. The current treatment includes eyeglasses in the earliest stages to treat myopia and astigmatism. However, glasses will not provide clear vision as the disease progresses and worsens. So, patients need to wear specialty contact lenses. 

Intermediate Stages

Corneal collagen cross-linking can help treat progressive keratoconus. The procedure involves the application of vitamin B to the affected eye and then using a UV light for about 30 minutes or less to activate the vitamin B solution. That triggers the formation of new collagen bonds, recovering some of the cornea's shape and strength.

Advanced Stages

Standard contact lenses may be too uncomfortable to wear with severe keratoconus. Corneal rings are a good option in this case. These implantable plastic rings flatten the cornea's surface to improve vision and allow a more comfortable contact lens fit. Otherwise, a corneal transplant may be necessary to treat severe keratoconus. 

Conclusion

Parents with this condition should consider having their kids screened for keratoconus starting at age ten. Since there is no way to prevent this disease, you should avoid rubbing your eyes and take steps to control allergies.

Most importantly, you and your loved ones should undergo regular comprehensive eye exams. Your eye doctor can catch this condition early and recommend the appropriate steps to slow or stop its progression. 

For more about keratoconus, visit Planet Vision Eyecare at our Lake Worth, Florida office. Call (561) 556-4600 to schedule an appointment today.