Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a rare and progressive corneal condition that requires treatment by a highly experienced ophthalmologist. At LASIK, Cornea & Cataract Specialty Center in El Paso, Texas, our eye doctors offer the most advanced keratoconus treatment to help preserve our patients’ vision.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a corneal condition that causes the cornea to become cone-shaped. A healthy cornea is dome-shaped, and it focuses and bends (refracts) light onto the retina to produce the images we see. Keratoconus not only distorts vision, but it is a progressive condition that causes the cornea to grow weaker and
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What is Keratoconus?
American Academy of Ophthalmologists
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thinner with time.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus usually begins during the late teenage years or the early twenties, and symptoms gradually progress over the course of decades. Symptoms of keratoconus can differ in each eye, and may include:
- Blurred vision
- Cloudy vision
- Distorted vision that causes straight lines to look wavy
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Increased glare
- Red or swollen eyes
- Increased nearsightedness or astigmatism, frequent changes in
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Keratoconus
Mayo Clinic
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vision prescription
- Inability to wear contact lenses
Causes of Keratoconus
The cause of keratoconus is unknown, but certain people may be at a higher risk for developing this condition. Risk factors for keratoconus include:
- Genetics: 10% of keratoconus patients has a close family who also has
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Keratoconus
American Optometric Association
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keratoconus
- Frequent, aggressive eye rubbing
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Down’s syndrome
- Retinitis pigmentosa
Keratoconus Treatment Solutions
Early stages of keratoconus may go undetected, as changes to the cornea won’t be visible to the untrained observer. Often, a patient’s frequent changes in vision prompt a more thorough examination which leads to a diagnosis with keratoconus. Mild cases of keratoconus may be treated with eyeglasses or even specialty contact lenses. However, keratoconus is a progressive disease for which there is no cure: all doctors can do is slow or stop the progression of corneal changes.
Treatment for advanced keratoconus includes:
Corneal Cross-linking
In corneal cross-linking, an ophthalmologist places drops of Riboflavin (Vitamin B) onto the cornea then exposes the area to controlled UV light. This helps strengthen and reinforce the cornea, stopping it from bulging into a cone shape, and helping prevent the need for a corneal transplant.
Corneal Transplants
In highly advanced cases of keratoconus where other treatments have been unsuccessful, a corneal transplant may be necessary. There are are a number of types of corneal transplants:
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK or PKP): Here, the entire bulging cornea is removed and replaced with donor corneal tissue.
- Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): During this type of corneal transplant, the outer layers of the cornea are removed. A DALK procedure is a good option for patients who have a healthy corneal epithelium and Descemet’s membrane, and may lead to reduced postoperative scarring.
A corneal transplant is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Following cornea transplant surgery, patients are given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Post-operative instructions must be followed carefully to reduce the risk of donor cornea rejection.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keratoconus
Can rubbing your eyes cause keratoconus?
When a person has ocular allergies (where the eye becomes irritated by pollen, pet dander, or other allergens), they rub their eyes excessively. It is believed that this may cause or contribute to keratoconus.
Can keratoconus be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure keratoconus. It is possible, however, to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus with corneal cross-linking.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
Keratoconus is diagnosed with a thorough eye examination. During this exam, the ophthalmologist will examine the cornea and measure the curvature of the cornea through keratometry or computerized corneal mapping. If the curvature of the cornea is too severe, the patient may have keratoconus.
Can keratoconus cause blindness?
Keratoconus does cause progressive vision loss, but it rarely leads to complete blindness.
Contact LASIK, Cornea & Cataract Specialty Center
Like many eye conditions, keratoconus is most effectively treated when it is diagnosed in its early stages. This is why it is so important to undergo regular examinations with an experienced eye doctor. To schedule an eye exam or keratoconus consultation, contact us at LASIK, Cornea & Cataract Specialty Center in El Paso.
TREATING FAMILIES - NOT JUST THEIR CONDITIONS
1American Academy of Ophthalmologists. What is Keratoconus? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-keratoconus. Accessed May 17, 2022.
2Mayo Clinic. Keratoconus. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keratoconus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351352#:~:text=In%20keratoconus%2C%20your%20cornea%20thins,outward%20into%20a%20cone%20shape. Accessed May 17, 2022.
3American Optometric Association. Keratoconus. Available: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/keratoconus?sso=y. Accessed May 17, 2022.
