What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus often referred to as KC, is a genetic eye condition in which the cornea thins with time and weakens, causing the development of a cone-like bulge and optical irregularity of the cornea.

Normal eye Vs Keratoconus
Photo Credit: Research gate

The middle part of the cornea, made up of protein and water is known as collagen.

Collagen is round in shape and helps to keep the cornea strong and flexible. It focuses on light to help us see clearly.

What Causes Keratoconus?

Blurred vision while driving
Photo Credit: Shutter stock

According to a report by Hopkins medicine "Keratoconus" occurs in approximately one in 2000 individuals, typically beginning in puberty and progressing into the mid-30s.

It is believed that the predisposition to develop Keratoconus is present at birth.

Common research in Keratoconus is the loss of collagen in the cornea.

This can be caused by some imbalance between production and destruction of the corneal tissues by the corneal cells.

Can You Go Blind From Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive and degenerative disease of the cornea.

What does a person see with keratoconus
Photo Credit: Forsight Vision
Treatment of Keratoconus depends on the stage of the disease.
Patients wear glasses at an early stage to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, glasses are no longer capable of providing clear vision when Keratoconus progresses and worsens; patients usually wear a hard contact lens.
The course of treatment varies from mild (glasses) to moderate (special contact lens) to severe (transplantation of cornea) KC.
Thankfully, with current treatments available, most patients of keratoconus can lead a normal life.

Take The Next Step Towards Treating Your Keratoconous

Progressive Keratoconus can be treated by application of a Vitamin B solution which is activated by Ultraviolet light for less or equal to 30 minutes to the eye known as corneal collagen cross-linking. This one-time solution helps to form new collagen bonds and preserves some of the cornea's strength and shape.

This treatment can help keep vision from getting worse and may improve vision. The procedure requires the removal of the thin outer layer of the cornea which allows riboflavin to penetrate the corneal tissue.

Intrasomal corneal ring segment

Corneal Ring

Corneal Transplant
Photo Credit: Eyeround.org

Corneal Ring:
C-shaped rings are used to flatten the surface of the cornea allowing improved vision.

Corneal Transplant: In this procedure, a donor cornea replaces the damaged cornea. Medication must be taken to avoid transplant rejection.

Glasses or contact lenses are necessary to provide the clearest vision after transplant surgery.

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What is Keratoconus?

What is Keratoconus?