Understanding Keratoconus: A Guide to Living with This Eye Condition

Understanding Keratoconus A Guide to Living with This Eye ConditionKeratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. Over time, the cornea becomes thinner and bulges outwards into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision and other symptoms1. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding keratoconus and managing its impact on daily life.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea, which is normally round, becomes thin and cone-shaped. This distortion can cause blurry vision, double vision, light sensitivity, and other visual disturbances2. The exact cause of keratoconus is not well understood, but it is believed to be influenced by genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

  • Blurry Vision: As the cornea becomes irregular, vision becomes blurry and distorted.
  • Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light and glare can be a significant issue.
  • Double Vision: Seeing double images, especially in the early stages of the disease.
  • Eye Strain and Headaches: Due to the constant effort to focus, individuals may experience eye strain and headaches.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Early diagnosis is crucial for managing keratoconus effectively. An eye doctor can diagnose keratoconus through a comprehensive eye exam, including corneal topography, which maps the shape of the cornea3.

Treatment options for keratoconus vary depending on the severity of the condition:

  • Glasses or Soft Contact Lenses: In the early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may help correct vision.
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: These lenses are more effective than soft lenses in correcting vision by creating a smooth surface over the irregular cornea.
  • Scleral Lenses: These larger lenses cover the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera), providing clear and comfortable vision.
  • Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): This minimally invasive procedure strengthens the cornea by creating new links between collagen fibers, preventing further progression of the disease.
  • Corneal Transplant: In advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary to replace the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea.

Living with Keratoconus

Living with keratoconus can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life:

  • Regular Eye Exams: Frequent check-ups with an eye doctor are essential to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment as needed.
  • Protective Eyewear: Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays and reduce glare can be beneficial.
  • Avoid Eye Rubbing: Eye rubbing can exacerbate keratoconus, so avoiding this habit is essential.
  • Stay Informed: Educating yourself about keratoconus and staying updated on the latest treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your eye care.

Conclusion

Keratoconus is a manageable condition with the proper treatment and care. By staying proactive and working closely with your eye doctor, you can maintain good vision and enjoy a fulfilling life.

Dr. Achong-Coan has managed patients at Coan Eye Care in Orlando for almost 25 years.  If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with keratoconus, remember you are not alone.  We are available to help you navigate this journey.

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