Are your eyeglasses or contact lenses not helping with your hazy or distorted vision? If so, you are likely curious about what is causing it. Keratoconus might be the culprit. This eye condition can be uncomfortable and impair vision. Consider how your eyesight would change if your cornea took on a conelike shape. Keratoconus makes that happen.

Symptoms 

The most typical keratoconus symptom is a blurry or distorted vision that does not improve with regular corrective lenses. Your vision may worsen over time, requiring regular eyeglasses or contact lens prescription changes. Increased light sensitivity, eye irritation, and the need to rub or squint often are other signs of keratoconus.

Causes 

Experts are yet to understand the specific etiology of keratoconus fully. But they suggest several factors as probable causes. One significant factor is genetics. You may develop the disorder if it runs in your family. Other potential factors include:
 

• Frequent and vigorous eye rubbing, especially during the teenage years

• Certain environmental factors, such as allergies and chronic eye irritation

Diagnosis 

Undergoing a thorough eye exam is crucial if you notice any keratoconus symptoms. Your eye doctor will perform tests to evaluate your cornea's size, thickness, and health. This could involve corneal topography, which measures corneal curvature, and pachymetry, which measures corneal thickness. These tests will determine whether you have keratoconus or another eye problem contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment Options 

While no keratoconus cure exists, several treatments can control the condition and enhance eyesight. Treatment will depend on the degree of keratoconus and the patient's unique needs. The following are typical keratoconus treatments:

Eyeglasses or Soft Contact Lenses

Corrective lenses can help correct eyesight in the early stages. But as the condition progresses and the cornea becomes more irregular, these options may no longer be effective.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses vault over the irregular cornea. This creates a smooth and regular surface for the cornea to focus light properly. RGP lenses can provide better vision correction for individuals with keratoconus than soft contact lenses.

Corneal Cross-linking

This minimally invasive treatment involves putting specific eye drops on the cornea and subjecting it to UV radiation. This aids in strengthening the cornea and halting the development of keratoconus.

Intacs®

These are small, thin plastic rings implanted into the cornea to flatten the cone-shaped cornea and improve vision. They are typically ideal for individuals with moderate keratoconus who cannot tolerate RGP lenses.

Corneal Transplant

This procedure may be necessary in severe cases of keratoconus where other treatment methods are ineffective. During a corneal transplant, the eye surgeon replaces the irregular cornea with a healthy one from a donor.

Living With Keratoconus

Living with this condition can be tricky since it can impair your vision and daily activities. But with proper care and management, you can continue to lead a fulfilling life. These are some pointers for managing the condition:
 

• Regular eye exams

• Follow treatment plans

• Protect your eyes

• Learn proper contact lens care

• Seek support

Conclusion

Keratoconus alters the thickness and shape of the cornea, causing distorted or hazy vision. Still, many people with keratoconus can maintain good eyesight and lead happy lives with the proper diagnosis, care, and management.

For more on keratoconus, visit Cincinnati Vision Group at our Cincinnati, Liberty Township, Dayton, or West Chester, Ohio offices. Call (513) 753-4981, (513) 793-5970, (513) 712-5065, (937) 435-4293, or (937) 579-0393 to schedule an appointment today.