#EYEHEALTH
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye disease that affects the structure of the cornea, resulting in a reduction in the quality of vision. Keratoconus occurs in approximately one in 2,000 individuals, typically beginning in puberty and progressing into the mid-30s.
Can Keratoconus be treated?
Improving your vision depends on the severity of Keratoconus. Mild to moderate Keratoconus can be treated with glasses or contact lenses.
How is Keratoconus treated?
- Gas permeable (GP) contact lenses usually are the preferred treatment for mild to moderate Keratoconus. GP lenses vault over the cornea, replacing its irregular shape with a smooth, uniform refracting surface to improve vision.
- Collagen Crosslinking – a procedure used to strengthen the corneal tissue, using Vitamin A drops and UVA light. It is carried out by an Ophthalmologist.
- In advanced cases of Keratoconus, a corneal transplant, also called a penetrating keratoplasty (PK or PKP) may be carried out.
How would I know if I had Keratoconus?
As the cornea becomes more irregular in shape, it causes progressive short sightedness and irregular astigmatism to develop, creating distorted and blurred vision. Glare and light sensitivity also commonly occur with Keratoconus. You might also experience a change in your eye prescription every time you visit your optician.
How is Keratoconus diagnosed?
Some of the tests used to detect Keratoconus include:
- Refraction- measuring your spectacle prescription and vision and looking for specific patterns of prescription changes
- Measurement of the curvature of the cornea.
- A slit lamp eye examination can be used for diagnosis.
