What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye-related health problem that causes your cornea –– the lens at the front of your eye –– to bulge outward in a cone-like shape. Over time, keratoconus causes your vision to become blurry. In addition, your eyes become increasingly sensitive to light and glare.
Keratoconus occurs gradually over an extended period. When caught early, eyeglasses and contact lenses may provide relief. As the condition worsens and vision loss occurs, a cornea transplant might be necessary.
What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
Common symptoms of keratoconus include:
- Blurred vision
- Distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty driving at night
- Worsening or cloudy vision
As keratoconus progresses, you might also need to change your eyeglasses prescription more frequently.
What causes keratoconus?
Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes keratoconus, but several factors are thought to increase your risk, including having a family history of the condition, rubbing your eyes vigorously, and environmental factors. You’re also more likely to develop keratoconus if you have an underlying health problem like hay fever, asthma, or retinitis pigmentosa.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
To diagnose keratoconus, the team at Marano Eye Care reviews your optical health history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a comprehensive eye exam. If these measures don’t provide enough information, they might also order specialized tests, including:
- Eye refraction
- Slit-lamp examination
- Computerized corneal mapping
- Keratometry
These diagnostic tests analyze the health and condition of your cornea and help the team develop a custom care plan that aligns with your needs.
How is keratoconus treated?
Treatment of keratoconus depends on the intensity of your symptoms and the speed at which they progress. Usually, the team at Marano Eye Care takes a two-step approach, slowing the speed of the disease and improving your vision.
To slow or stop keratoconus, the team might recommend corneal collagen cross-linking. Corneal cross-linking can’t reverse the symptoms of keratoconus or improve your vision, but it can prevent the condition from getting worse.
To correct your vision, the team might recommend contacts, eyeglasses, corneal ring segments, or cornea transplant surgery.
Don’t wait to receive treatment for keratoconus at Marano Eye Care. Book online or call the nearest location to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.
