Keratoconus is a serious corneal problem affecting about one out of every 2,000 Americans. That may not sound like a lot, but it’s enough to make keratoconus a leading reason for corneal transplant surgery in the United States.
At Vision and Ortho-K Center, Curtis Frank, OD, helps patients with keratoconus protect their vision with special contact lenses developed specifically for patients with this serious cornea disorder. In this post, learn what keratoconus is, why it happens, and the important role of prompt, appropriate care.
Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to become thinner than normal and more domed or conical in shape. The cornea protrudes much farther than normal, creating an astigmatism that can be difficult or even impossible to correct with regular eyeglasses.
People with keratoconus usually develop it beginning in childhood or the teenage years. While the specific causes are unknown, researchers have linked it with specific medical conditions, including asthma, allergies, atopic dermatitis, Down syndrome, and connective tissue diseases.
Chronic eye rubbing may hasten progression, including eye rubbing associated with allergies and asthma. Keratoconus also tends to be more common in families, hinting at genetics as a risk factor, as well.
Without proper treatment, keratoconus can cause severe vision problems and corneal damage, leading to the need for corneal transplant surgery. If you’re diagnosed with keratoconus, regular eye exams are critical for monitoring your condition and your treatment.
Your cornea acts as a clear cover for the iris and pupil, diffracting light as it enters your eye. When the cornea is misshapen, it’s harder to focus and see objects clearly.
Astigmatism is one type of corneal issue that causes blurry vision, but unlike keratoconus, the blurriness caused by astigmatism can generally be corrected with eyeglasses. Keratoconus causes significant changes to the corneal shape, making it much harder to achieve clear vision with eyeglasses.
Keratoconus typically causes blurriness and distortion when trying to focus on objects. As the condition continues, you may experience episodes of double vision or other distortions. You may find you need frequent prescription changes to “keep up” with the steepening cornea.
Many patients with keratoconus have light sensitivity, making it difficult to see in conditions with bright lighting. Nighttime activities, like driving, are more difficult due to an increased incidence in glare from headlights and street lamps. Early diagnosis is essential for preventing scarring that can lead to permanent vision loss.
There is currently no cure for keratoconus, but it can be managed with proper care and intervention.
In the early stages, special glasses or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses may help provide clearer vision. RGP lenses are hard lenses that provide a smoother surface to facilitate clearer, more stable vision. As the condition progresses, you may need special contact lenses designed especially for people with keratoconus.
Piggyback lenses are one type of lens used for keratoconus. These lenses feature a hard lens fused on top of a soft contact for better vision correction without irritating the corneal tissue.
Scleral lenses are larger than normal contact lenses. These lenses are designed to rest on the white part (the sclera) of your eyes so they don’t irritate or place pressure on your corneas. Because they’re larger and designed to “float” on top of the cornea, they can be more comfortable for people with severe corneal curvature.
Keratoconus typically progresses throughout early adulthood, often stabilizing in your 20s or 30s. Early treatment helps manage symptoms, prevent additional vision loss, and avoid scarring and other corneal damage.
If you have keratoconus or if you have any type of vision issue, don’t ignore it. To learn how Dr. Frank and our team can help, call to request an appointment at Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston and Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts.
