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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.

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Utah Valley Eye!

  • Met some of the best people here. Dr. Cook has picked some of the best support staff. Everyone is professional and friendly. Dr. Cook sets you at ease right away. He explains how he sees it going forward so you can relax about it. He is very professional and yet down to earth in working with you. I felt like I was being put first in all of our conversation. The follow up has been great with lots of questions to make sure they are getting the correct information. I have another procedure in the near future and Dr. Cook is my request.

    Rick Llewelyn
  • I had started experiencing left eye problems. Being from out of state I wasn’t sure where to go. I was able to find your facility online and was able to quickly set up an appointment. You’re facility is very nice. It’s very modern and up-to-date. Everyone was very nice and very friendly. I was seen by Dr. Haggard and really appreciate how thorough that he was and how he explained everything in great detail. In the end all the issues were resolved for which I’m very thankful. Thank you very much! Mike Olson

    Michael Olson
  • I had started experiencing left eye problems. Being from out of state I wasn’t sure where to go. I was able to find your facility online and was able to quickly set up an appointment. You’re facility is very nice. It’s very modern and up-to-date. Everyone was very nice and very friendly. I was seen by Dr. Haggard and really appreciate how thorough that he was and how he explained everything in great detail. In the end all the issues were resolved for which I’m very thankful. Thank you very much!

    Walter Nicholes