What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus (KCN) is a progressive eye condition where the cornea bulges resulting in visual impairment. The cornea is the clear window in the front of the eye responsible for refracting light that is coming into the eye. With Keratoconus, the cornea is irregular with a cone-like protrusion. Instead of light coming into the normally round, spherical cornea, light rays will enter the eye at different angles that are unfocused, causing a blurred distorted image.

Keratoconus

A severe case of Keratoconus. Note the conical shape of the eye.

These lenses corrected one of our patient’s vision, who has Keratoconus, from 20/200 to 20/20, preventing them from ever needing a cornea transplant.

What causes Keratoconus?

Although there are several factors that are correlated with Keratoconus, typically the cause is unknown. Genetics, family history, and atopic diseases like allergies with eye rubbing have all been cited as contributing factors. Certain collagen or connective tissue disorders have also been associated with Keratoconus. However, many people with KCN may not have any of these factors.

What should I do if I have been diagnosed with Keratoconus?

First, understand that Keratoconus is a very manageable condition and that we have many vision correction options now. I highly recommend getting a cross-linking consultation with a cornea specialist to see if you are a candidate for a procedure in which the progression of keratoconus is prevented. Second, I'd recommend an appointment with a specialty contact lens fitter to provide you with the many available options for vision correction. Finally, if you have siblings or relatives I would recommend that they get screened for keratoconus so that they have the option of getting cross-linking if they need it.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do is to have regular exams with a cornea surgeon to watch out for progression, and to have an experienced contact lens fitter to assess your best vision potential. Most of my patients are able to avoid needing a corneal transplant with a good fit and regular maintenance, but there will be those that may still need it. My goal is to exhaust the options first to avoid ever coming to that point.

  • Keratoconus topography and scleral profilometry

    A cornea and scleral topography scan showing an eye with Keratoconus.

  • Scleral lens

    A scleral lens on a tool, ready to be applied to an eye with Keratoconus. Scleral lenses are one of the many contact lens options available to those who have Keratoconus.

  • Hybrid lenses

    This photo shows a hybrid contact lens, which has a rigid material in the center, and a soft skirt on the periphery. Hybrid lenses are another contact lens option available to someone who has Keratoconus.

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