Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to weaken and become conical in shape.

The cornea is the clear front surface or ‘window’ of the eye. In people with keratoconus, the cornea develops an irregular shape, which eventually affects your vision. Most people with keratoconus begin to develop the condition in their late teens or early twenties.

Exeter Eye Keratoconus diagram

Keratoconus symptoms

The most obvious symptom of keratoconus is a conically shaped cornea. This usually occurs in both eyes, but may only affect one eye. It may also affect one eye more than the other.

The conical shape makes the cornea appear to ‘bulge’ from the eye socket. However, because the disease develops over time it can be difficult to spot in its early stages.

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Once the cornea begins to change shape, vision is usually affected. With the cornea doing most of the eye’s focusing, a change in shape results in blurred vision, some light sensitivity and ghost images. As keratoconus progresses glasses may become less effective at improving your vision. Contact lenses can also become less effective and uncomfortable to wear as the cornea becomes more conical.

Causes of keratoconus

It is not known exactly what causes keratoconus. However, it is thought to be an inherited condition, so you’re more likely to have keratoconus if one of your parents has the disease.

Some studies have connected keratoconus with conditions such as asthma and eczema, excessive eye rubbing or badly fitted contact lenses.

Keratoconus treatments

Keratoconus treatments are varied and include: contact lenses, corneal implants, corneal transplants and corneal collagen cross-linking.

If you experience any of the above symptoms or would like some advice regarding keratoconus treatment please call us on 01392 699969 or book a consultation.

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