Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to gradually thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This can result in blurry vision, double vision, extreme sensitivity to light, and even a loss of vision over time.

The condition typically affects both eyes and usually begins to develop in the teen years or early 20s.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Keratoconus

Many people with keratoconus don’t realize they have it until the condition has advanced. Early symptoms of keratoconus include:.

• Bouts of blurry or distorted vision
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
• Inability to see well at night
• Halos around lights
• Headaches and eye strain

A comprehensive eye examination is necessary to diagnose keratoconus. The eye doctor will examine the cornea’s shape and look for bulging or thinning by using special imaging techniques like corneal topography or tomography.

The doctor may also conduct vision tests to determine if you have any changes in your visual acuity.

Causes and Risk Factors of Keratoconus

Currently, the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, although researchers believe there may be a genetic component. About one in ten people with keratoconus have a family history of the condition.

Other factors that may increase the risk of developing keratoconus include:.

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• Rubbing the eyes excessively
• Chronic eye irritations and inflammations
• Having certain medical conditions, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Down syndrome
• Spending a lot of time outdoors without proper eye protection

Research has also linked the use of hard contact lenses and prolonged eye strain to keratoconus, although these links remain inconclusive.

Treatments for Keratoconus

Although there is no cure for keratoconus, several treatments can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. These treatments include:.

• Soft contact lenses or glasses
• Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that can help reshape the cornea and improve vision
• Custom soft contact lenses that combine both soft and rigid materials
• Corneal cross-linking, a procedure that strengthens the cornea and stops bulging
• Intacs, small curved inserts that can reshape the cornea
• Corneal transplant, in severe cases when other treatments do not help

The right treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and how quickly it’s progressing. With proper treatment, many people with keratoconus can successfully manage their symptoms and maintain their vision.

Preventing Keratoconus

Currently, there are no known ways to prevent keratoconus. However, several lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of developing the condition, including:.

• Avoiding eye rubbing
• Wearing sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the sun and other environmental irritants
• Getting regular eye exams to catch and treat any eye conditions, including keratoconus, early on

Living with Keratoconus

Living with keratoconus can be frustrating and challenging, particularly if the condition affects your daily life and activities. However, with proper medical care and support, many people with keratoconus go on to lead productive, fulfilling lives.

If you or a loved one has keratoconus, it’s important to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible. Contact your eye doctor to schedule an examination and begin discussing treatment options.