Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive disease during which the cornea - normally
round and ball-shaped - thickens and changes shape, bulging and distorting
into a conical shape. The irregular shape affects the way light enters
the eye and hits the retina, causing distorted vision.
Symptoms of keratoconus usually begin in the teens or early twenties.
Because keratoconus comes on so slowly, early signs are often difficult
to detect. People with keratoconus may notice that their vision is slowly
becoming distorted. Other symptoms may include double vision in one
eye, glare and light sensitivity, and halos around bright lights; objects
both near and far may be distorted - but not blurred - appearing with
strange shapes or colors. Although symptoms may begin in one eye, usually
both eyes are eventually affected.
There is no known cause of keratoconus, although genetics may be a
factor. Early treatment for keratoconus includes eyeglasses and soft
contact lenses. Later on, however, neither will correct vision, and
rigid gas permeable contact lenses are necessary. Corrective laser surgery,
such as LASIK, should never be performed on patients with even a small
amount of keratoconus.
For more information on keratoconus, please contact us. Select
a state for a consultation.
