Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that sees the cornea which is usually round become thin and bulge forward. This change may cause blurred, distorted or sensitivity to glare vision. It usually begins in the teens or young adult age range, though progression of the disease varies.
Why Does the Cornea Become Cone-Shaped?
In keratoconus corneal tissue degenerates in it’s structure and thinness. As the shape of the cornea changes the surface becomes irregular which in turn does not focus light properly on the retina. This may produce irregular astigmatism, ghosting or visual distortion which is hard to correct with common spectacles.
The National Eye Institute reports that thinning may affect the middle and lower cornea which in turn may cause outward bulging. Also in a young person frequent prescription changes may indicate the need for a detailed corneal evaluation.
Keratoconus Causes and Risk Factors
The exact keratoconus causes are still mostly a mystery. What we do know is that a mix of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Also a family history can increase your risk which also reports that there is a link between the disease and a great deal of eye rubbing.
Eye allergies also play a role in which itchiness causes rubbing. MedlinePlus reports that allergy and eye rubbing may in fact aggravate corneal damage. To better understand the issue look at both inherited risk factors and habits which may put extra mechanical stress on the cornea.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
| Family history | Genetic susceptibility may increase risk. |
| Frequent eye rubbing | Repeated mechanical stress may contribute to worsening. |
| Eye allergy | Persistent itching can encourage habitual rubbing. |
| Younger age | Earlier onset may require closer monitoring for progression. |
Common Keratoconus Symptoms
Early keratoconus symptoms at time may be put off for a routine change in spectacle power. Vision may blur or distort, and astigmatism may increase. Also some report of glare, halos, light sensitivity or difficulty seeing at night.
Another indicator is a prescription which changes very atypically. Also it is true that visual changes may present more so in one eye although in fact both may end up affected. Persistent and or quickly changing vision should see an ophthalmologist rather than just getting new glasses.
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
A standard vision test may point out the issue but in most cases a more in depth study of the cornea’s shape and thickness is required for diagnosis. We use corneal topography or tomography to map out the cornea’s curvature and pachymetry to measure thickness. These tests are what ophthalmologists use to identify early signs of keratoconus and to track progression over time. As keratoconus can present very slowly, we also look to previous scans for clues.
| Test | What It Assesses |
| Refraction | Spectacle power and irregular astigmatism |
| Slit-lamp examination | Corneal signs, thinning or scarring |
| Corneal topography/tomography | Shape, steepening and asymmetry |
| Pachymetry | Corneal thickness |
Keratoconus Treatment: What Are the Options?
Keratoconus treatment based on age, visual requirements, corneal thickness, disease severity and it’s rate of progression. In early keratoconus glasses or contact lenses may provide good results. Rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses which correct irregular astigmatism may be used when spectacle correction fails.
For progressive disease we may include corneal collagen cross linking. Riboflavin and controlled ultraviolet light are used to improve corneal tissue strength and to reduce further progression. It is mainly to stabilize the cornea which does not mean that glasses or contact lenses will be a thing of the past.
In some instances other procedures may be applied. Late stage disease which has caused extensive scarring or in which vision is very poor may at times require corneal transplant. At Vasan Eye Care we have put together a team for keratoconus treatment and corneal services which is dedicated to this. We also do corneal imaging and in depth specialist evaluation which in turn will present the best course of action.
Why Early Detection Matters
Keratoconus may present without warning as to how much change in corneal shape has occurred. In the early stages of the disease which are often asymptomatic an ophthalmologist has the chance to document the progression of the disease and go over treatment options before there is serious distortion or scarring. If your glasses prescription is changing frequently, astigmatism is on the rise, or your vision seems to be distorted more than usual a corneal evaluation may help to determine what is going on.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the early keratoconus symptoms?
Common keratoconus symptoms include blurry and distorted vision, glare, light sensitivity and frequent prescription changes.
2. What are the main keratoconus causes?
Also we are not sure what causes it but genetic factors, eye rubbing and allergic eye disease are known to play a role.
3. Can the condition be cured permanently?
here is no universal cure for the condition. We focus on improving vision and in some cases try to stop the disease from getting worse.
4. Does everyone need surgery?
Also many report. Many are managed with glasses or specialized contact lenses which we fit, we do however base our approach on the degree of your progression and how severe it is.
5. Can eye rubbing make it worse?
Also reports of frequent and forceful eye rubbing which is a trigger for us to recommend that you stop the behavior and treat any underlying allergy.