Overview
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear dome-shaped front of the eye, becomes thinner and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape. This causes blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, and usually affects both eyes. Keratoconus usually starts between the late teens and 30 years of age, and can progress slowly for up to 10 years or longer. In early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may correct vision problems, but as the condition worsens, rigid gas permeable contact lenses or other specialized lenses may be required. In some cases, a cornea transplant may be necessary.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of keratoconus may include blurred or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to bright light and glare causing problems with night driving, a need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, and sudden worsening or clouding of vision. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended to see an eye doctor.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing keratoconus include having a family history of the condition and rubbing your eyes vigorously. Other factors that may increase the risk are having certain conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, hay fever, and asthma.
Development
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear dome-shaped front of the eye, thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. The causes of keratoconus are not entirely understood, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved. Around 1 in 10 people with keratoconus have a parent with the condition. In terms of development, keratoconus usually starts affecting people between late teens and 30 years of age. The condition may progress slowly for 10 years or longer. In the early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses can correct vision problems, but as the condition progresses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses or other specialized lenses, like scleral lenses, may be necessary. If the condition worsens, a cornea transplant may become necessary. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing keratoconus, such as having a family history of the condition, rubbing your eyes vigorously, and having certain health conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, hay fever, and asthma. In some cases, keratoconus can cause complications like hydrops, where the inside lining of the cornea, called Descemet's membrane, breaks down, leading to fluid entering the cornea and causing swelling. This can result in sudden reduced vision and scarring of the cornea. Corneal collagen cross-linking may be offered to help slow or stop the progression of keratoconus, potentially preventing the need for a future cornea transplant.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if your eyesight is worsening rapidly, which might be caused by an irregular curvature of the eye, called astigmatism. Your eye doctor may also look for signs of keratoconus during routine eye exams.
Diagnosis
To diagnose keratoconus, an eye doctor will review your medical and family history, conduct an eye exam, and may also perform additional tests such as eye refraction, slit-lamp examination, keratometry, or computerized corneal mapping. These tests help evaluate the shape of the cornea and determine the basic shape of the cornea, which can help detect early signs of keratoconus.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of keratoconus include sudden reduced vision and scarring of the cornea, caused by a condition called hydrops in which the inside lining of your cornea, Descemet's membrane, breaks down. This results in fluid entering the cornea, leading to swelling. A scar may form, affecting vision. Advanced keratoconus may also cause the cornea to become scarred, particularly where the cone is most prominent, resulting in worsening vision problems that may require a cornea transplant.
Prevention
regarding the prevention of keratoconus, as the exact cause is unknown, and there are no known means to prevent its development. However, it is suggested that avoiding rubbing your eyes vigorously and managing any associated conditions like hay fever and asthma may help reduce the risk. If you have a family history of keratoconus, you should also be cautious and consult an eye doctor regularly for check-ups.
Home Remedies
regarding home remedies for keratoconus. It is important to consult an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
Treatments for keratoconus typically involve managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of the condition. Early-stage keratoconus can be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. However, as the disease progresses, more specialized contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable lenses or scleral lenses, are required. In severe cases, a cornea transplant might be necessary. Another treatment option is corneal collagen cross-linking, which can help slow or stop the progression of keratoconus and potentially prevent the need for a future cornea transplant. This procedure may be offered in addition to the vision correction options mentioned above. It is essential to consult an eye doctor regularly to monitor the condition and determine the best treatment approach based on individual circumstances.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for keratoconus, you should:
- Make a list of your symptoms and when they began.
- Note any recent major stresses or life changes.
- Compile a list of all medications, eye drops, vitamins, and supplements you're taking, including doses.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as:
- What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- What are other possible causes?
- Do I need any tests?
- Is this condition temporary?
- Bring this information with you to your appointment to help facilitate a productive discussion with your doctor. Remember that an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan depend on your open communication with your healthcare provider.