Understanding Keratoconus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape of your cornea, the clear outer lens of your eye. In a healthy eye, the cornea has a dome shape, like a ball. However, in people with keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward, forming a cone-like shape. This change in shape can cause vision problems.

What Causes Keratoconus?

The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but researchers believe that some people may be more likely to develop the condition due to genetic factors. Several factors may contribute to the development of keratoconus, including:

• Family history

• Age (usually starts in teenage years or early adulthood)

• Certain disorders (Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and retinitis pigmentosa)

• Inflammation from allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease

• Eye rubbing

• Race (Black or Latino individuals may be more likely to develop keratoconus)

Symptoms of Keratoconus

As the cornea changes shape, it can cause various symptoms, including:

• Blurry or distorted vision

• Double vision when looking with just one eye

• Halos around bright lights

• Light streaks

• Triple ghost images

• Difficulty driving due to blurry vision

Diagnosing Keratoconus

To diagnose keratoconus, your eye doctor will measure the shape of your cornea. The most common method is called corneal topography, which involves taking a photo of your cornea and examining it closely. Children of parents with keratoconus should have a corneal topography every year starting at age 10.

Treatment Options for Keratoconus

Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, new eyeglasses or contact lenses may be sufficient to correct vision problems. As the condition progresses, other treatments may be necessary, such as:

• Rigid gas permeable contact lenses

• Cornea collagen crosslinking (to stop the condition from worsening)

• Intacs (implantable rings to flatten the cone shape and improve vision)

• Cornea transplant (in severe cases when other treatments are ineffective)

It's important to note that laser vision correction surgery (LASIK) is not recommended for people with keratoconus, as it can further weaken the cornea and worsen vision.

If you suspect that you or a family member may have keratoconus, consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and treatment can help manage the condition and preserve your vision.

For more information on keratoconus, visit:

• National Keratoconus Foundation

• American Academy of Ophthalmology - Keratoconus

• National Eye Institute - Keratoconus