The eye’s clear outer lens, the cornea, is held in place by tiny protein fibers. It is usually shaped like a ball or dome. Some people have an eye condition that causes the cornea to bulge into a cone shape. It happens due to the weakening of the collagen fibers that hold the cornea in shape. When an individual does not have protective cornea antioxidants, the situation can lead to keratoconus. 
 

What Causes Keratoconus?

What causes keratoconus is unclear, but most specialists believe it could be genetic. If someone in your family has the condition, you will likely develop it. Some people have the condition from birth, but it usually becomes evident during the teenage years. Some patients develop keratoconus in adulthood.
 

Certain disorders, such as Down syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, have been linked to keratoconus. The condition can be caused by inflammation due to allergies and eye rubbing. 
 

Keratoconus and Vision 

Keratoconus, or changes to the cornea, can make it difficult for the eyes to focus. As the cornea changes, patients require eyeglasses or contact lenses to see well. The smooth cornea surface may become wavy, causing astigmatism, or the front part can expand, causing myopia.
 

Sometimes, patients require a corneal transplant to restore vision as the condition worsens. People with the condition do not qualify for LASIK, as it can weaken the cornea, worsening vision. 
 

Symptoms of Keratoconus 

Keratoconus happens gradually and usually affects both eyes. An eye doctor can detect the disease during an eye exam. Some symptoms can indicate you have the condition. They include:
 

• Near and far objects appear blurry.

• Double vision.

• Light streaks. 

• Halos around bright lights.

• Sensitivity to light. 

• Difficulty with night driving.

Diagnosing Keratoconus 

The eye doctor will measure the cornea’s shape to diagnose the condition. The most common measuring test is corneal topography. It entails obtaining images and examining them closely. Other tests conducted during diagnosis include computerized corneal mapping, eye refraction, slit-lamp examination, and keratometry. Regular eye exams allow doctors to detect the condition in the early stages. 
 

Treatment for Keratoconus 

During the early stages of the condition, when the symptoms are mild, the doctor may prescribe new eyeglasses. If eyeglasses do not work well, the doctor will recommend rigid gas-permeable contact lenses.
 

The contacts work effectively, but eventually, you may need additional treatments to strengthen the cornea and improve eyesight. Cornea collagen crosslinking can prevent the worsening of the condition. The doctor can also implant an Intacs® ring under the cornea to flatten its shape and improve vision. A cornea transplant is usually the last resort.
 

Improving your eyesight will depend on the severity of the condition. Treating keratoconus with eyeglasses or contacts is usually for life. You need specialized fitting if you require scleral or rigid contact lenses to treat the condition.
 

Schedule a regular checkup to monitor your eye health. A cornea transplant is often successful, but some experience complications ranging from graft rejection to infection and poor vision.
 

For more on keratoconus treatment, visit Montebello Optometry Eye Clinic & Dry Eye Center at our Montebello, California office. Call (323) 888-9111 to schedule an appointment today.