Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, the clear dome-shaped part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. The cornea plays a vital role in focusing light entering the eye, enabling us to see with clarity. It is an uncommon condition, affecting around 1 out of 2,000 people, but it can cause severe visual impairment if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss keratoconus, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Causes

The cause of keratoconus is unknown. However, some research suggests that it may be hereditary, meaning that if someone in your family has it, you are more likely to develop the condition. Other theories suggest that it may be caused by chronic eye rubbing, inflammation, or a weakened cornea, although these are not proven.

Symptoms

Keratoconus is usually detected in the late teenage years or early adulthood, but it can also develop later in life. The symptoms of keratoconus vary, but the most common ones include:

– Blurred or distorted vision
– Double vision
– Sensitivity to light or glare
– Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
– Difficulty driving at night

In the early stages of keratoconus, the symptoms may be mild, and vision may be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, as the disease progresses, the cornea becomes thinner and more cone-shaped, making it harder to correct vision with glasses or contact lenses.

Diagnosis

A regular eye examination can help diagnose keratoconus. A comprehensive eye exam includes a visual acuity test, a corneal topography, and a slit-lamp examination. A corneal topography is a non-invasive test that maps the curvature of the cornea, allowing doctors to see the shape of the eye more clearly.

Treatment

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that typically worsens with time. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial. The treatment options for keratoconus include:

1. Glasses or Contact Lenses

In the early stages of keratoconus, glasses or contact lenses may be sufficient to correct vision. Glasses can improve vision by redirecting light through the cornea and onto the retina. However, the level of correction may not be strong enough for people with advanced keratoconus.

Contact lenses, especially scleral or hybrid lenses, may also be effective in correcting vision. Scleral lenses are larger contact lenses that cover the entire cornea and remain stable on the eye. Hybrid lenses combine the stability of scleral lenses with the comfort of soft contact lenses.

2. Corneal Cross-Linking

Corneal cross-linking is a non-invasive procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue. During the procedure, ultraviolet light is applied to the cornea while a special solution is used to activate the cross-linking process. The procedure can halt the progression of keratoconus and may improve vision in some cases.

3. Intacs

Intacs are small, plastic rings that are placed in the cornea to reshape it. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 15-30 minutes. The goal of the intacs is to redistribute the corneal tissue and reduce the cone shape of the cornea, resulting in improved vision.

4. Corneal Transplant

In cases where other treatments are ineffective, or if the keratoconus is severe, a corneal transplant may be necessary. During a corneal transplant, the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy donor cornea. However, a corneal transplant is a major surgery that carries risks, and recovery can take up to a year.

Conclusion

Keratoconus is a disease that affects the eyes in a progressive manner. If left untreated, it can cause severe visual impairment. However, early detection and treatment can help preserve vision and maintain quality of life. Patients with keratoconus should consult with an eye doctor regularly to monitor the condition and adjust their treatment plan as necessary.