What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This structural alteration causes the cornea to adopt a conical shape instead of its usual rounded curvature. As the cornea weakens and loses its shape, it leads to vision distortion and blurred vision. Keratoconus typically begins during the teenage years or early adulthood and can worsen over time.
The symptoms of keratoconus may include:
- Blurry or Distorted Vision: Individuals with keratoconus often experience blurred or distorted vision that glasses can't correct.
- Frequent Changes in Prescription: The need for updated eyeglass prescriptions occurs more frequently as the cornea changes shape.
- Increased Sensitivity to Light and Glare: Many people with keratoconus report heightened sensitivity to light, glare, and halos around light sources.
- Difficulty with Night Vision: Nighttime vision can be particularly challenging, leading to difficulty driving or engaging in activities in low-light conditions.
- Frequent Eye Rubbing: Constant eye rubbing can occur due to irritation and discomfort caused by the irregular corneal shape.
- Progressive Changes: Keratoconus symptoms tend to worsen over time, making monitoring and managing the condition essential.
How is Keratoconus Treated?
Keratoconus management focuses on improving vision and stabilizing the cornea's shape. Treatment options may include:
- Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Initially, regular eyeglasses or soft contact lenses can correct mild to moderate vision problems. Optometrists often prescribe rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses for enhanced vision correction in advanced cases.
- Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): CXL is a procedure that involves applying riboflavin drops to the cornea and then exposing it to ultraviolet light. This procedure strengthens the cornea and can slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.
- Intacs: Intacs are small, clear, crescent-shaped inserts placed within the cornea to flatten and restructure it, improving vision for some individuals.
- Corneal Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty or DALK): In severe cases where vision cannot be adequately corrected with other methods, a corneal transplant may be necessary, replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea.
- Hybrid Contact Lenses: Hybrid lenses combine the comfort of soft lenses with the visual clarity of rigid gas-permeable lenses, providing an effective solution for vision correction.