Keratoconus

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    What is Keratoconus?

    Understanding About
    Keratoconus

    Keratoconus is an eye condition characterized by the thinning and gradual bulging of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front of the eye, into a cone shape. This can lead to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and glare. Typically affecting both eyes, it often starts between late teens and early 30s and progresses slowly over 10 years or more.

    In the early stages, vision problems can often be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. As the condition progresses, rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses or other specialized lenses like scleral lenses may be necessary. In more advanced cases, a cornea transplant may be required.

    Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure that can help slow or halt the progression of keratoconus, potentially eliminating the need for a future cornea transplant. This treatment option may complement existing vision correction methods.

    Types of Keratoconus

    Different Types of
    Keratoconus

    Anterior Uveitis

    Affects the inside of the front of the eye (between the cornea and the iris) and the ciliary body. Also known as iritis, it's the most common type of uveitis.

    Intermediate Uveitis

    Affects the retina and blood vessels just behind the lens (pars plana), as well as the gel in the center of the eye (vitreous).

    Posterior Uveitis

    Affects a layer on the inside of the back of the eye, either the retina or the choroid.

    Panuveitis

    Involves inflammation of all layers of the uvea, from the front to the back of the eye.

    Keratoconus FAQs

    Keratoconus
    FAQS
    Keratoconus affects your vision which can degrade your quality of life. Individuals with this disease may find it hard to work, read, watch TV, and drive. It can also cause stress, lower your confidence, make you unable to enjoy those important moments in life, reduce your ability to take part in recreational sports, and affect your personality.
    Keratoconus is a lot more common than people think. In the past, it was estimated that 1 in 2,000 people had it, while today, that number has drastically increased to 1 in 400. This increase is because more people are correctly diagnosed due to advances in technology, awareness, and Optometrists like the specialists at the California Keratoconus Center who have dedicated themselves to helping individuals overcome this condition.
    LASIK or RK eye surgery can cause Keratoconus in certain individuals. Because the LASIK and RK procedures involve operating on the cornea, they can result in Corneal Ectasia. While the LASIK screening process is more efficient today, many individuals who received the surgery in the past may develop Keratoconus.
    Like most diseases, early detection is crucial when it comes to Keratoconus. If your Keratoconus is progressing, you may need to receive the Corneal Crosslinking treatment to stop the progression. Studies have shown it to be 98% effective.
    Keratoconus is a lifelong eye disease that does not go away on its own. A corneal graft might be needed in severe cases, but that does not eliminate Keratoconus. Individuals with less severe Keratoconus can reduce its effects using specialized contact lenses (hard, piggyback, hybrid, or scleral). Scleral lenses are unique contact lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) and do not sit on the cornea.