Keratoconus
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition that impacts the cornea’s structure, leading to its gradual thinning and outward bulging into a distinctive, cone-shaped form. This clear, dome-like layer of the eye plays a crucial role in filtering and focusing light, serving as a key protective feature. Often beginning in the teenage years or early adulthood, keratoconus progressively impairs vision. Early signs of the condition may be subtle, making initial diagnosis unlikely.
However, as it advances, keratoconus manifests through symptoms, such as blurry or warped vision, heightened sensitivity to light, and the need for frequent updates to eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions. At IC Laser Eye Care and Suburban Eye Associates, our skilled professionals identify keratoconus and propose cutting-edge treatments aimed at controlling the condition and enhancing your sight.
How Is Keratoconus Treated?
Keratoconus often stems from genetic predispositions, though patients who frequently rub their eyes might increase their risk of developing this eye condition. A detailed eye examination is conducted to identify keratoconus. In its initial stages, the disease can be managed effectively with corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, to amend the refractive error and improve vision clarity.
For cases of keratoconus that have progressed extensively, a more intensive treatment strategy might be necessary, including procedures like corneal cross-linking, the insertion of a corneal implant, or even a corneal transplant, which involves using corneal tissue from an organ donor to replace the affected corneal tissue, or the placement of a small device within the eye to enhance vision. Our experienced team will assess the severity of your keratoconus to recommend the most suitable treatment options.
What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Keratoconus typically develops in patients in their teenage years or early twenties. The progression of symptoms can be gradual, making the condition difficult to identify early on. Key symptoms include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Frequent changes in prescription
- Increasing nearsightedness over time
- Sensitivity to light
- Astigmatism
Regular examinations by a proficient eye specialist are crucial for maintaining eye health, especially since detecting keratoconus can be challenging.
Effective Treatment for Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition that worsens progressively, indicating that symptoms, such as vision distortion, are likely to intensify as time passes. It’s essential to share any changes in your vision with your eye care professionals so that conditions, like keratoconus, can be detected and managed appropriately. Reach out to IC Laser Eye Care in Bensalem, PA, Philadelphia, PA, or Hamilton, NJ, or Suburban Eye Associates in Huntingdon Valley, PA for further information on the various treatment strategies for keratoconus. Our team is eager to meet with you and help you attain optimal vision.