KERATOCONUS

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the normal, round-shaped cornea (the transparent front layer of the eye) becomes thin and bulges outward to form a cone shape (ie: changing from the shape of an orange to more like the shape of a lemon).

The abnormal curvature in the cornea can prevent the eye from focusing light accurately on the retina to produce a clear image.

Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, but it may affect one eye more than the other initially.

Who Does Keratoconus Affect?

Keratoconus can manifest at different ages, from childhood up to the age of about 40 years.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Keratoconus usually progresses slowly over several years, but it can also worsen suddenly.

The signs and symptoms of keratoconus vary with the progression of the disease. Early symptoms include:

The blurring of vision,
Distorted or double vision,
Halos or rings seen around lights,
Night vision problems and glare.

A patient with keratoconus may notice frequent changes in their spectacle prescription especially the degree of astigmatism.

What are the Causes of Keratoconus?

The exact cause of keratoconus is not clearly understood. Keratoconus has an inherent genetic component, meaning it can be passed on from one generation to the next. It is thought to be due to the weakening of collagen fibres, which maintain the shape of the cornea.

There is a strong association between keratoconus and excessive eye rubbing.

Keratoconus is more commonly seen in patients with certain medical conditions, such as Down’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Atopic dermatitis.

Keratoconus Assessment

Your ophthalmologist will

review your medical history,
conduct a thorough eye examination, and
order a few diagnostic tests to measure the corneal curve to evaluate the projection and shape of your eyes.

How is Keratoconus Treated?

The current treatment for keratoconus is focused on stabilising the disease and improving the vision.

It has been shown that excessive eye rubbing is strongly associated with the progression of keratoconus.

Therefore, patients with keratoconus must:

stop rubbing their eyes at all times, and
receive appropriate medical therapy for any coexisting allergic diseases.

For visual improvement, glasses and soft contact lenses should be prescribed in the first instance.

Specialised contact lenses (rigid gas permeable or semi-scleral contact lenses) are usually needed in the majority of cases to neutralise the irregular corneal astigmatism.

Depending on the severity of the Keratoconus and the eye health, treatment may involve surgical intervention.