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Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a thinning and bulging of the front part of the eye called the cornea. Over time, progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea causes the cornea to change shape until it is shaped more like a cone. In comparison, an eye that is not affected by keratoconus is typically more round. Keratoconus usually affects both of the eyes, but will likely affect one eye more than the other. It generally starts to affect individuals between the ages of 10-25. It can progress rapidly or at a very slow rate.
It is not clear what causes keratoconus, but we do know that genetics and environmental factors do have an effect. Some factors that may increase your chances of developing keratoconus include: Having a family history of keratoconus or vigorously rubbing the eyes
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a thinning and bulging of the front part of the eye called the cornea. Over time, progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea causes the cornea to change shape until it is shaped more like a cone. In comparison, an eye that is not affected by keratoconus is typically more round. Keratoconus usually affects both of the eyes, but will likely affect one eye more than the other. It generally starts to affect individuals between the ages of 10-25. It can progress rapidly or at a very slow rate.
It is not clear what causes keratoconus, but we do know that genetics and environmental factors do have an effect. Some factors that may increase your chances of developing keratoconus include: Having a family history of keratoconus or vigorously rubbing the eyes
Symptoms of Keratoconus:
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Sensitivity to bright light.
- Trouble with glare at night.
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription.
- Sudden worsening of vision.
Symptoms of Keratoconus:
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Sensitivity to bright light.
- Trouble with glare at night.
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription.
- Sudden worsening of vision.
Treatment for Keratoconus:
- Early onset Keratoconus is easily treated with the use of glasses or contacts. A patient with mild keratoconus should be followed closely by his or her ophthalmologist.
- Mild Keratoconus patients may need to use an RGP (a hard contact lens) or scleral lens ( a large diameter lens that rests on the sclera) to see their best. Finding a lens that works best for you may take a few visits to your eye doctor.
- In the advanced stages of Keratoconus, there may come a point that contacts no longer give patients the clarity of vision they need. In these more advanced stages the patient may need a cornea transplant.
A treatment called cross-linking can be done to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus. Cross-linking strengthens the corneal tissue to help stop the bulging and progressive thinning of the cornea. This treatment can possibly prevent the need for a corneal transplant later in life.
It is important to have yearly exams with your ophthalmologist for a through screening. especially if you have a family history of keratoconus.
Treatment for Keratoconus:
- Early onset Keratoconus is easily treated with the use of glasses or contacts. A patient with mild keratoconus should be followed closely by his or her ophthalmologist.
- Mild Keratoconus patients may need to use an RGP (a hard contact lens) or scleral lens ( a large diameter lens that rests on the sclera) to see their best. Finding a lens that works best for you may take a few visits to your eye doctor.
- In the advanced stages of Keratoconus, there may come a point that contacts no longer give patients the clarity of vision they need. In these more advanced stages the patient may need a cornea transplant.
A treatment called cross-linking can be done to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus. Cross-linking strengthens the corneal tissue to help stop the bulging and progressive thinning of the cornea. This treatment can possibly prevent the need for a corneal transplant later in life.
