Normally, the cornea, which is the clear outer lens or "windshield" of the eye, has a dome shape, like a ball. Tiny fibers of protein in the eye called collagen help hold the cornea in place and keep it from bulging. When these fibers become weak, they cannot hold the shape and the cornea becomes progressively more cone shaped. This condition is called keratoconus.
Keratoconus usually starts in the teenage years. It can, though, begin in childhood or in people up to about age 30.
Keratoconus is usually not genetic but sometimes runs in families. If you have it and have children, it’s a good idea to have their eyes checked for it starting at age 10. The condition progresses more rapidly in people with certain medical problems, including certain allergic conditions. It is found to be related to chronic eye rubbing.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus often affects both eyes, and can lead to very different vision between the two eyes. Symptoms can differ in each eye, and they can change over time. Keratoconus symptoms can include:
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Mild blurring of vision to severe loss of vision
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Slightly distorted vision, where straight lines look bent or wavy
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Increased sensitivity to light and glare
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Eye redness or swelling of cornea
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Not being able to wear contact lenses. They may no longer fit properly and they are uncomfortable.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Keratoconus can be diagnosed through a routine eye exam. We will examine your cornea, and may measure its curvature. This helps show if there is a change in its shape. You may also require mapping your cornea’s surface using special tests like Corneal Topography and Pentacam Imaging. This detailed image shows the condition of the cornea’s surface.
Keratoconus treatment has two goals:
