Keratoconus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

by

Keratoconus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Keratoconus is a condition when the cornea is thinned and protrudes outward and forms a cone-like shape. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped layer that lines the center of the eye. The condition of the cornea that changes shape into a cone can cause blurry vision and increased eye sensitivity to light.

Keratoconus generally involves both eyes and can be experienced for the first time when someone is 10 to 25 years old. This condition usually progresses slowly over 10 years or more.   

In the early stages of keratoconus, visual disturbances can be corrected using glasses or soft contact lenses. As the problem progresses, hard contact lenses or other types of lenses are usually required. If this condition progresses to an advanced stage, a corneal transplant may be needed.

Symptom

Keratoconus signs and symptoms may change as the disease progresses. Some of the signs and symptoms that can occur in keratoconus are:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare, which can cause a distraction while driving at night
  • Requires frequent replacement of power glasses
  • Sudden change in vision or cloudy vision

Reason

The cause of keratoconus is not known. However, there are several factors that are thought to increase the risk of experiencing keratoconus, including:

  • Have a family member with a history of keratoconus
  • Frequently wipe the eyes vigorously
  • Experiencing certain health conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or asthma

Diagnosis

To determine the diagnosis of keratoconus, the doctor will evaluate the medical history of the patient and his family, as well as examine the eyes. Often further examination or evaluation is needed to obtain more detailed information about the shape of the cornea.

Investigations carried out to determine the diagnosis of keratoconus include:

  • Eye refraction test

In this examination, the doctor uses special equipment that measures eye vision to evaluate for visual disturbances.

  • Examination using a slit lamp

The doctor will direct a vertical light beam on the surface of the eye and use a microscope to see the structures in the eye. Then, the doctor will evaluate the shape of the cornea and see if there are other potential eye disorders.

  • Keratometry 

In this test, the doctor focuses a halo of light on the cornea and measures the reflected light to determine the basic shape of the cornea.

  • Computerized corneal mapping

Special photographic examinations, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and corneal topography can produce images of the cornea as well as detailed mapping of the shape of the corneal surface. This examination can also be done to measure the thickness of the cornea.

Treatment

Keratoconus treatment depends on various factors, including the severity and progression of the condition. Mild to moderate degrees of keratoconus can be treated with glasses or contact lenses.

In most people, the cornea will stabilize after several years. Those who experience this condition generally do not experience severe visual impairment, so they do not need further treatment.

In some other cases of keratoconus, there may be scarring of the cornea or greater difficulty in wearing contact lenses. In these cases, surgery may be needed.

Here are several types of treatment for keratoconus:

  • Lens

There are various types of lenses that can be used, depending on the indication. The types of lenses that can be used for keratoconus are spectacle lenses or soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, hybrid lenses, sclera lenses, or several other types.

Those who use lenses as a treatment for keratoconus are advised to undergo periodic examinations. The goal is to determine that the power of the lens is appropriate and the placement is considered adequate.

  • Surgery

Surgery may be considered by doctors if there is scarring of the cornea, excessive thinning of the cornea, poor vision with high-strength lenses, or inability to wear any type of contact lens.

  • There are several surgical techniques

There are several surgical techniques that can be performed depending on the location of the corneal constriction and the degree of severity of the condition being experienced. Some of the surgical techniques that can be performed are corneal inserts and corneal transplants.

Prevention

Because the cause of keratoconus is not known with certainty, there is no way that has been proven to be completely effective in preventing this condition.

Leave a Comment