What is Keratoconus?
Treatment is available for this progressive eye condition.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye. In keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges outwards, forming a cone shape. This can result in significant vision impairment, including distorted and blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty with night vision.
Keratoconus is an important condition to treat because it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities, such as driving or reading. If left untreated, the cornea can become increasingly distorted, leading to further vision loss and potentially requiring more invasive treatments, such as corneal transplant surgery.
The goal of treatment for keratoconus is to help improve visual function and quality of life for the patient. This can involve various approaches, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual patient’s needs. Some possible treatments for keratoconus include:
- Contact lenses: specially designed contact lenses can help to correct vision and improve comfort in people with mild to moderate keratoconus.
- Corneal cross-linking: a minimally invasive procedure that involves applying a special solution to the cornea and then exposing it to ultraviolet light, which can help to strengthen and stabilize the cornea.
- Corneal transplant: in severe cases where other treatments are not effective, a corneal transplant may be necessary to replace the damaged cornea with a donor cornea.
Early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus can help to preserve vision and prevent the need for more invasive interventions later on. If you suspect you may have keratoconus or are experiencing any vision problems, contact our team to start developing your treatment plan.