Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye). Normally a round dome shape, if the corneal tissue begins to thin, it can begin to bulge out into a cone shape. Because the shape of the cornea becomes distorted, your eyesight also becomes distorted because light will not focus properly on the retina (back of the eye). This makes normal activities such as reading, watching TV, driving or working on a computer very difficult.
Who Gets Keratoconus
Many people are surprised to learn that keratoconus usually affects people who are in their late teenage years or early 20s. This is a condition that affects 1 in 2,000 of the general population. The condition is hereditary in some cases. It may also be caused by an enzyme imbalance in the cornea that causes the corneal tissue to weaken.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Not all patients will experience keratoconus symptoms right away. In fact, it can progress over a 10-20 year period and result in symptoms such as:
- Vision distortion
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Irritation
- Glare
- Ghosting
Keratoconus Treatment
Luckily there are a variety of treatment options to help patients with keratoconus see more clearly. Depending on the severity of your condition our doctors may recommend:
- Prescription glasses
- Rigid contact lenses
- Corneal transplant in severe cases
If you or a loved one is experiencing any keratoconus symptoms, schedule an eye exam with one of our experienced corneal doctors to learn more about your treatment options.