Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea (the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye) thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This abnormal shape causes distorted vision because light entering the eye is not focused correctly on the retina.
​
Common Symptoms of Keratoconus:
Keratoconus often starts subtly and may worsen over time.
-
Blurred or distorted vision that is not fully corrected with glasses.
-
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
-
Increased sensitivity to light and glare.
-
Difficulty with night vision.
In advanced cases, sudden worsening of vision can occur due to corneal swelling (hydrops).
​
How Keratoconus is Treated:
Treatment depends on the severity and progression:
-
Early/Mild Stages
-
Glasses or soft contact lenses may correct vision.
-
As irregular astigmatism develops, rigid gas permeable (RGP), hybrid, or scleral lenses provide clearer vision.
-
-
Progression Control
-
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): A minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue with riboflavin (vitamin B2) and UV light. This is the only treatment proven to halt or slow progression.
-
-
Advanced Cases
-
Intracorneal ring segments (Intacs): Small implants that flatten the cornea and improve vision.
-
Corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty or DALK): Considered when scarring, thinning, or extreme irregularity prevents vision correction with lenses.
-
Prevalence of Keratoconus:
-
Historically, keratoconus was thought to affect about 1 in 2,000 people.
-
With modern diagnostic tools like corneal topography and tomography, more subtle cases are being detected, and prevalence estimates are now closer to 1 in 200–400 people.
-
It typically begins in the teenage years or early 20s, and progression may continue into the 30s or 40s before stabilizing.
🧠Key Message:
Keratoconus is more common than previously thought, often appearing in adolescence or young adulthood. It causes progressive vision distortion due to corneal thinning and irregular shape. Treatments range from glasses and specialty contact lenses in mild cases, to corneal cross-linking for progression control, and surgical options like ring implants or corneal transplantation in severe cases.
​
​
​
