Keratoconus

What is keratoconus? 

Keratoconus occurs when the clear layer covering your eye, the cornea, bulges out into a cone shape. This abnormal shape prevents light from properly focusing on your retina, which causes blurry eyesight and other troublesome symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

Keratoconus symptoms vary depending on its stage. In the earliest stages, which usually start in your late teens or early 20s, you typically have:

• Blurry vision
• Visual distortions
• Increased light sensitivity
• Increased glare sensitivity
• Eye swelling
• Eye redness

It's common for keratoconus to worsen gradually over 10-20 years before progression slows significantly. Often, keratoconus stabilizes in your 30s or 40s, but it varies by individual.

Some symptoms of late-stage keratoconus include worsening vision and difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably. 

What causes keratoconus?

The causes of keratoconus aren't certain at this time. About 10% of people with keratoconus have a parent with the condition, indicating a genetic cause in some cases. 

Other factors that may contribute to keratoconus include eye allergies, eye rubbing, connective tissue disorders, asthma, and Down syndrome. 

How is keratoconus treated?

The optometry care team at Inglewood Optometric Center recommends treatment to slow or stop keratoconus progression. Treatment options may include:

Updated prescription

For mild keratoconus, an updated glasses prescription can help with your symptoms. 

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts 

As keratoconus worsens, you might need to switch to RGP contact lenses. These lenses flatten your corneas slightly to help focus your sight better. Another option might be "piggybacking" lenses, which means layering an RGP lens over a soft one.

Collagen cross-linking

Collagen cross-linking treatment involves riboflavin eye drops and ultraviolet (UV) light. This treatment can help reinforce the collagen in your corneas to stop keratoconus progression.

Surgery

For more serious keratoconus, the team might refer you for surgery to implant a small device that pushes down your cornea. In the most severe cases, you could need a corneal transplant to replace your cornea with donor tissue.

The Inglewood Optometric Center team explains the treatment options and helps you find the best way to prevent keratoconus progression and sharpen your vision.

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