What Is Keratoconus And How Is It Treated

You may have heard of keratoconus, but do you really know what it is? Keratoconus is an eye condition that causes vision problems and can worsen over time if left untreated. In this blog post, we’ll explain what keratoconus is, its symptoms, and how it’s treated, so you can better understand this condition. By reading through this guide from our local eye doctor at Optica 20 20 San Antonio, you’ll be able to recognize if you or a loved one has keratoconus and be equipped with knowledge about your treatment options.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye disease where the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, thins and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape. This abnormal shape causes blurry vision, light sensitivity, and distorted vision. Keratoconus typically begins during puberty and progresses until a person reaches their mid-30s or 40s. While it usually affects both eyes, the condition often progresses more quickly in one eye than the other.

The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is often linked to genetics and excessive eye rubbing. Additionally, it is more common in individuals with certain conditions such as Down syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Some common signs of keratoconus that indicate it’s time to schedule an eye exam near you include:

• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Distorted or doubled vision
• Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect you have keratoconus, it’s important to make an appointment for an eye exam with your local optometrist. They will conduct tests to check for irregular astigmatism and corneal thinning, which are indicators of keratoconus. Mild cases of keratoconus can be managed with custom soft contact lenses that help improve vision. As the condition worsens, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses may be required to maintain clear sight and provide more stability to the cornea.

Advanced Treatment Options

For more advanced cases of keratoconus that do not respond to contact lenses, your eye doctor may recommend corneal collagen cross-linking. This procedure involves using UV light and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops to strengthen the cornea and slow the progression of keratoconus.

In severe cases, when other treatments fail to restore vision, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This surgical procedure replaces the damaged cornea with a donor cornea. While corneal transplants are effective, they are typically reserved as a last resort due to the risks associated with surgery, including rejection and infection.

Regular Eye Exams Are Key

The key to managing keratoconus effectively is through regular eye exams to monitor its progression. Be sure to schedule annual eye exams and contact your optometrist immediately if you notice any changes in your vision. Your eye doctor can recommend the most appropriate treatment options based on your specific needs.

Get the Eye Care You Need

At Optica 20 20 San Antonio, we offer same-day appointments and walk-in eye exams to make it easy to stay on top of your eye health. Don’t wait if you suspect keratoconus—call our local eye doctor today to get the treatment you need.