Keratoconus

Keratoconus occurs when the center of the cornea thins and gradually bulges outward, developing a rounded cone shape. This abnormal shape of the cornea causes moderate to severe blurring and distortion of vision. Mild vision problems can be corrected with eyeglasses. Moderate to severe cases of keratoconus may require specially fitted contact lenses to improve vision. In some cases, severe keratoconus may require a corneal transplant.

Signs and Symptoms

Initially most people can correct their vision with eyeglasses. But as the astigmatism worsens, they must rely on specially fitted contact lenses to reduce the distortion and provide better vision. There may be moderate or severe distortion (astigmatism) and blurry (near- and farsighted) vision. Symptoms may be unilateral initially and may later become bilateral.

Detection and Diagnosis

Keratoconus is detected with careful slit lamp biomicroscopy. More recently the corneal topographer has assumed a vital roll in finding subtle keratoconus as well as a great aid in fitting the keratocone with the correct contact lenses.

Treatment

In the past rigid lenses were used to achieve good acuity. Now a whole new generation of specialized contacts make the treatment results even more successful. We are using the Synergeyes lens a great deal as our newest approach. A small % of keratoconus patients may need a corneal transplant due to their condition.