Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea that causes the cornea to bulge outward and take on a cone like shape. The abnormal shape changes the cornea’s refractive power, producing mild-to-severe distortion (astigmatism) and blurriness (nearsightedness) of vision. It usually affects both eyes. In severe cases the cornea can become scarred, seriously impairing vision.

Causes of Keratoconus

• Family history of Keratoconus
• Eye injury, including habitual rubbing
• Eye diseases (Retinitis Pigmentosa, Retinopathy of Prematurity, Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis)
• Systemic diseases (Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Down syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta)

Treatment for Keratoconus

• Glasses
• Specially-fitted contact lenses to improve vision while protecting the cornea
• Corneal collagen crosslinking
• Intacs (plastic ring segments inserted into the mid cornea into tunnels created by a laser)
• Corneal transplant if the cornea does not stabilize, becomes too scarred or cannot tolerate a contact lens

Corneal transplants are successful in more than 90% of patients with advanced Keratoconus, and studies have reported that 80% achieve 20/40 vision or better after the operation.

This common corneal issue affects one in every 2,000 Americans and is more prevalent in teenagers and adults in their 20s. If you have been diagnosed with Keratoconus, contact us today.