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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye condition that causes the cornea to become progressively thinner. A normal cornea is round or spherical in shape, but with keratoconus the cornea bulges forward, assuming more of a cone shape. As light enters the cone shaped cornea it is bent and distorted and unable to come to a point of clear focus on the light-sensitive retina.

Keratoconus usually affects both eyes but the two eyes often progress at different rates. This disease typically begins during teenage years. In most patients, it progresses for several years before stabilizing in the third to fourth decade of life. In severe cases it can continue to worsen. In these cases the cornea continues to thin and bulge outward, further blurring vision. Scarring of the cornea can also develop.

Symptoms of keratoconus:

  • bulging, cone-shaped cornea
  • nearsightedness
  • astigmatism
  • glare and light sensitivity
  • the need for frequent prescription changes

Who is at risk:

Researchers believe that approximately 3 million people worldwide have keratoconus. It affects males and females of all races throughout the world. The causes are still being researched, but the likelihood of developing keratoconus is greater if you:

  • have a relative with keratoconus
  • have had excessive laser eye surgery
  • have hay fever, eczema, asthma or food allergies

Treatment

In mild cases, glasses and soft contacts can be effective, but in more advanced cases, these no longer work well and custom contact lenses or surgery must be considered.

Gas permeable (GP) contact lenses

Gas permeable contact lenses
are the primary treatment
for keratoconus.

This is the primary treatment for keratoconus. To counteract the distortion of the cornea, most keratoconus patients require special hard lenses that help mold the corneal surface so that light can be focused clearly. Because the pattern of distortion in keratoconus is as unique as a fingerprint, the GP lenses are custom prescribed and manufactured.

A proper contact lens fitting is crucial to ensure optimal vision, comfort, and eye health. Poor fitting lenses can lead to corneal abrasions, scarring, and infection.

Surgery

Many keratoconus patients will never require surgery, but it is an option in severe and advanced cases. If your doctor determines you have significant warping or scarring of the cornea, he or she may recommend that you see the specialist at Mary Washington Eye Care Center for a corneal transplant evaluation. In this procedure, the scarred tissue is replaced with a section of donated cornea that is clear. About 10 to 20% of keratoconus patients will eventually require a corneal transplantation. However, corneal transplantation is not a cure in and of itself. Following a successful corneal transplant, most patients still need glasses, soft contacts, or Gas Permeable Hard Contact lenses for adequate vision.

Precautions

Patients with keratoconus must not have LASIK or PRK laser eye surgery due to an unacceptable risk of a poor outcome. The cornea in keratoconus is unusually thin and weak. For patients with keratoconus, LASIK surgery thins and weakens their corneas further. This can irreversibly destabilize the cornea and accelerate its distortion. Rubbing the eyes may also increase the progression of keratoconus. Eye rubbing can often be very vigorous with patients using excessive force with their knuckles. Corneas already weakened by inflammation may develop thinning and protrusion as a result of rubbing.

For More Information

Your eye doctor is the best resource for specific questions about your diagnosis and treatment. Remember that regular eye examinations are crucial for preserving your eye health and vision.