Share:

Keratoconus refers to an eye condition that occurs when the cornea thins and begins to bulge outward. As the cornea changes shape, those with this condition may experience vision distortions and blurriness that can seriously impact their day-to-day lives. If you have this condition, your eye doctor can develop a treatment plan to help improve your vision. The following guide will explain what to know about keratoconus symptoms, diagnosis, and management.

What Are the Causes of Keratoconus?

It’s unknown exactly why people acquire keratoconus, though it can be partially attributed to genetics. About one in 10 people with the condition have a parent who also has it. Those with a family history of the condition should always visit their eye doctor to conduct a thorough assessment and determine their risk level.

What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

eye doctorKeratoconus often impacts both eyes and often presents in people in their late teens to early 20s. Over the years, symptoms like vision distortion and blurriness will gradually worsen. Other symptoms of the condition include increased light sensitivity, eye redness, and swelling. Those with keratoconus may have problems focusing their eyes and therefore may need to frequently renew eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions due to increasingly worsening vision. Those who wear contacts with the condition may notice they no longer fit properly or feel uncomfortable due to the altered shape of the eye.

How Can an Eye Doctor Help?

To diagnose keratoconus, your doctor must conduct an exam. The doctor will measure the curve of the cornea and assess its shape.

Depending on the unique symptoms each person with the condition experiences, the doctor may suggest one of a few treatments. In very mild cases, keratoconus can be treated with eyeglasses or hard contact lenses that help maintain the eye’s shape. In other cases, the eye doctor may perform a procedure called collagen cross-linking, in which a UV light is utilized to boost the cornea’s strength.

In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Intacs are tiny, curved devices that the doctor inserts directly into the cornea to flatten it and bolster vision. In very severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision completely.

 

If you’re experiencing vision issues, consult Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s premier eye doctors and ophthalmologists. For over 25 years, the experts from TriState Centers for Sight have provided the high caliber of eye care locals rely on to keep their eyes healthy. To learn more about their specialized services, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge surgical procedures, visit their website or call today at (859) 331-6616.

tracking