Keratoconus |
In keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped. This shape
prevents light from focusing on the macula. As the disease progresses
the cone becomes more pronounced, causing vision to become blurred
and distorted. Because of the cornea's irregular shape, patients with
keratoconus are usually very nearsighted and have a high degree of
astigmatism that is not correctable with glasses.
prevents light from focusing on the macula. As the disease progresses
the cone becomes more pronounced, causing vision to become blurred
and distorted. Because of the cornea's irregular shape, patients with
keratoconus are usually very nearsighted and have a high degree of
astigmatism that is not correctable with glasses.
This condition may be inherited or result from chronic eye rubbing and is more common in women
and usually occurs in early adolescence.
In addition to nearsightedness and astigmatism, signs and symptoms include blurred vision even while
wearing glasses or contact lenses and light sensitivity.
Keratoconus is usually diagnosed in patients as young as their 20's. For some, it may advance over
several decades, for others, the progression may reach a certain point and stop. Tests can provide your
eye doctor with details about the cornea's shape and is used to detect and monitor the progression of
the disease.
Treatment
The first line of treatment for patients is to fit rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Because this
type of contact is not flexible, it creates a smooth, evenly shaped surface to see through. When vision
deteriorates to the point that contact lenses no longer provide satisfactory vision, corneal transplant
may be necessary to replace the diseased cornea with a healthy one. Even after a transplant, you most
likely will need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.
and usually occurs in early adolescence.
In addition to nearsightedness and astigmatism, signs and symptoms include blurred vision even while
wearing glasses or contact lenses and light sensitivity.
Keratoconus is usually diagnosed in patients as young as their 20's. For some, it may advance over
several decades, for others, the progression may reach a certain point and stop. Tests can provide your
eye doctor with details about the cornea's shape and is used to detect and monitor the progression of
the disease.
Treatment
The first line of treatment for patients is to fit rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Because this
type of contact is not flexible, it creates a smooth, evenly shaped surface to see through. When vision
deteriorates to the point that contact lenses no longer provide satisfactory vision, corneal transplant
may be necessary to replace the diseased cornea with a healthy one. Even after a transplant, you most
likely will need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.