Keratoconus

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition in which the clear front surface of your eye (the cornea) weakens and thins. This causes bulging, leading to a cone-shaped cornea. Keratoconus usually occurs in both eyes but it may be more pronounced in one eye. 

What are the signs of keratoconus?

Keratoconus doesn’t necessarily cause cone-shaped corneas right away. In fact, it usually starts in teenage years and then progresses quite slowly over a decade or longer. Some symptoms that you may experience include: 

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Eye redness
• Eye swelling
• Vision distortions, like straight lines looking curved
• Light sensitivity 
• Glare sensitivity
• Needing a new prescription almost every year
• Difficulty keeping contact lenses in your eyes

During regular eye exams, your Todani Eye Associates provider screens for keratoconus by examining your corneas up close and evaluating any new symptoms. 

How is keratoconus treated?

Keratoconus treatment depends on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, your symptoms, and other individual factors. 

Vision correction

In early stages, when you have only mild changes in your corneas, you may simply need an up-to-date vision correction (glasses or contact lenses.) 

Specialty contact lenses

As keratoconus progresses, your Todani Eye Associates provider may recommend a special type of contact lenses. Rigid lenses can help to prevent corneal bulging. Another option is scleral lenses, which are larger than standard contact lenses and less likely to become dislodged by corneal bulging.

Collagen cross-linking

One of the most effective newer treatments for keratoconus is collagen cross-linking. Todani Eye Associates uses iLink™ corneal cross-linking, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved procedure of this type. 

The iLink system treats progressive keratoconus by stiffening and strengthening weakened corneas. In corneal cross-linking treatment, your provider administers special Photrexa® eyedrops together with ultraviolet light. This combination approach can slow or even stop the progression of keratoconus. 

Cornea replacement

Some people with severe keratoconus may eventually need cornea surgery due to scarring. In cornea replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged portion of your cornea and positions healthy donor tissue in its place. 

Early diagnosis and treatments like special contacts and corneal cross-linking can prevent your keratoconus from worsening and may help you to avoid cornea replacement.

For expert keratoconus care, call Todani Eye Associates or click on the online scheduling tool to arrange your eye exam today.