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Understanding Keratoconus – A Closer Look

Symptoms of Keratoconus and treatments

Imagine waking up one day to find your vision subtly shifting, as if the world around you is becoming slightly warped or blurred. For many teens and young adults, this is the alarming reality of keratoconus, a progressive eye condition where the cornea – normally smooth – thins and begins to bulge outward. This change distorts vision, often leading to a host of difficulties with clarity and focus. While the condition can progress over time, early detection is key to preserving your sight and managing its effects. The sooner keratoconus is diagnosed, the better the chances of maintaining clearer, healthier vision.

Symptoms of Keratoconus May Include:

  • Visión borrosa
  • Distorted vision, such as seeing halos around lights
  • Frequent changes in prescription for contact lenses or glasses
  • Sensibilidad a la luz
  • Astigmatism

Causes of Keratoconus

The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people may be more susceptible to the condition due to family history or other factors.

Detection

Corneal topography is a unique photography technique that maps the surface of the clear front window of the eye (the cornea). It works much like a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the world that helps identify features like mountains and valleys. However, with a topography scan, a doctor can find distortions in the cornea’s usually smooth curvature. It also helps doctors monitor eye disease and plan for surgery.

Video on Corneal TopographyView Video

Treatment for Keratoconus

  • Contact lenses: Special types of contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable lenses or hybrid lenses, can help correct vision in people with keratoconus.
  • Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL): This procedure uses ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea and slow the progression of keratoconus.
  • Intacs: These are tiny plastic implants that are inserted into the cornea to help reshape it and improve vision.
  • Corneal transplantation: In severe cases of keratoconus, a corneal transplant may be necessary.

MEC is a premier ophthalmology practice in Southern Oregon and the only provider in the region offering Collagen Crosslinking procedures. We treat various patients from outside the area, from the coast to Klamath Falls and northern California. If you are experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, seeing an eye doctor for a diagnosis and discussing treatment options is essential. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.

Risk Factors

These factors can increase your chances of developing keratoconus:

  • Having a family history of keratoconus and continuous and vigorous rubbing of the eyes can lead to the misshaping of the cornea and, ultimately, keratoconus.
  • Certain conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, hay fever, and asthma, can also be contributing factors. People with these conditions should take extra precautions to avoid inducing keratoconus when possible.

Complications

In some situations, your cornea may swell quickly and cause sudden reduced vision and scarring of the cornea. This is caused by a condition in which the inside lining of your cornea, called Descemet’s membrane, breaks down. This causes fluid to enter the cornea, a condition known as hydrops. The swelling usually goes down by itself, but a scar may form that affects your vision.

Advanced keratoconus may also cause your cornea to become scarred, particularly where the cone is most prominent. A scarred cornea can worsen vision problems and may require cornea transplant surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, seeing an eye doctor for a diagnosis and discussing treatment options is essential. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.

With the medical advancements at Medical Eye Center, starting your journey here may be your best decision rather than waiting for referrals and chasing insurance coverage. Make Medical Eye Center your preferred treatment center for all things ocular health.

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