Keratoconus

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition in which the normally round cornea of the eye becomes distorted and thinned, developing a bulge in the shape of a cone. This irregularity can cause significant impairment in vision. The cause of this condition is unknown. There have been theories that Keratoconus develops due to a congenital defect, and other theories which state that it is hereditary or secondary to some disease process. Keratoconus may progressively worsen or in some cases, it may stabilize.

Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus

The first sign of Keratoconus is blurry and distorted vision. Furthermore, another indication of Keratoconus is the frequent changes in nearsightedness and astigmatism correction.

What is the Treatment for Keratoconus?

The majority of patients with Keratoconus require contact lenses to correct their vision. In very mild cases, vision can be corrected with eyeglasses. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Contact Lenses

Keratoconus causes thinning and bulging of the cornea which creates a unique form of astigmatism. The contact lens type that is most frequently used to correct vision due to Keratoconus is called rigid gas permeable lens (RGP). Fitting RGP lenses on eyes with Keratoconus require great care and expertise.

There are a number of reasons why RGP lens are ideal for this condition:

Almost all of the myopia and astigmatism associated with Keratoconus can be corrected with RGP lenses.
RGP lenses promote healthy eyes, since they allow the cornea to “breathe” oxygen.
RGP lenses can be custom made to fit the unique shape of each Keratoconic eye.

Frequent check-ups may be needed due to subtle and unpredictable changes in the shape of the cornea.

It is important to note that although RGP lenses can offer significant improvement in vision, it is not a cure for Keratoconus.

Corneal Transplant

This treatment is required in only the severe cases of Keratoconus. This process involves removal of most of the central cornea of the eye and replaced with a cornea from a donor bank. The general success rate of corneal transplants is 95{0beac4c60899e09926884d608337c33802e75cbd40d8489980b60000920341a8}.