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Keratoconus

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Keratoconus Keratoconus

What is Keratoconus ?

  • Keratoconus is a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round cornea (the front part of the eye) becomes thin and irregular (cone) shaped.
  • This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina and causes distortion of vision.
  • This makes daily tasks like reading or driving difficult.

Causes of keratoconus

Largely unknown. Family history of keratoconus. Excessive eye rubbing. Eye allergies. Connective tissue disorders, e.g. Marfan syndrome.

  • Family members who have the condition
  • Underlying allergies
  • Conditions that cause excessive eye rubbing – which could weaken the cornea

What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

  • Often starts in teenage
  • Blurred, distorted vision.
  • Increased sensitivity to light and glare
  • Red Eyes.
  • Frequent changes in the spectacles prescription.
  • Sudden appearance of a whitish spot in the centre of the eye.
  • Symptoms usually affect both eyes at varying degrees.
  • Not being able to wear contact lenses, as they no longer fit properly

How is keratoconus Diagnosed?

  • Keratoconus can be diagonsed through a routine exam.
  • Your optometrist will examine your cornea and may measure its curvature

How is keratoconus treated?

  • It depends on your symptoms.
  • Spectacles in mild cases.
  • Special hard contact lenses in moderate to severe cases.
  • Intacs
  • Collagen cross linking
  • Corneal transplant

Watch Out

With keratoconus, try to avoid rubbing your eyes. This can damage thin corneal tissue and make your symptoms worse.