Keratoconus Symptoms & Treatment
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This abnormal shape distorts the way light enters the eye, causing visual problems such as blurring and halos around lights.
Current research links keratoconus to an enzyme imbalance in the cornea, which may make it more vulnerable to damage from oxidative stress. Other contributing factors include excessive UV exposure, frequent eye rubbing, poorly fitting contact lenses, and chronic eye irritation.
Keratoconus usually begins showing symptoms in the late teens or early 20s. These symptoms can include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
As the disease progresses, the cornea may bulge more, leading to significant vision impairment. In rare cases, the cornea can swell suddenly due to tiny cracks caused by the eye’s cone shape. This swelling, which can last weeks or months, is often accompanied by a sharp drop in vision. Your eye doctor can prescribe eye drops to provide temporary relief during this phase. By understanding these treatment options and working closely with your eye care professional, you can manage keratoconus effectively and protect your vision for the future.
Common Treatment Options
While your eye care specialist will determine the best treatment for your specific condition, here are some of the most widely used approaches:
Contact Lenses
A variety of contact lens options are available to manage keratoconus, each designed to improve vision and comfort based on the severity of the condition. Scleral and semi-scleral lenses are larger gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye), vaulting over the cornea without putting pressure on the cone shape, making them more comfortable for many patients. Custom soft contact lenses, tailored to correct mild to moderate cases, offer the comfort of soft lenses while improving vision clarity. Additionally, gas permeable lenses are rigid and work by reshaping the cornea, but they require a more complex fitting process to ensure a proper fit.
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
A procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue by applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light. Corneal cross-linking aims to halt the progression of keratoconus by increasing the cornea’s rigidity and preventing further bulging.