Imagine looking at the world through a distorted glass – everything appears blurred, distorted, or doubled. This is often what living with Keratoconus feels like.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that weakens and thins the cornea – the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye and causes it to bulge outward like a cone. This irregular shape distorts vision, making everyday activities like reading, driving, or watching TV extremely difficult.
What is Keratoconus?
In a healthy eye, the cornea has a smooth, round shape that allows the light to focus on the retina for clear vision. But in keratoconus, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and weaker, losing its regular curve and developing a cone-like shape.
This irregular curvature prevents light from focusing properly, resulting in blurry, distorted, or hazy vision.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus often starts in the teenage years or early adulthood and progresses over time. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on how advanced the condition is. Some common symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light & glare
- Frequent changes in specs number
- Poor night vision
- Halos or ghost images around lights
- Eye strain or headaches
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
Risk Factors for Keratoconus
While the exact cause of keratoconus is still unclear, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it. Listed below are some common risk factors:
- Genetics: Family history increases the risk of keratoconus.
- Excessive Eye Rubbing: Aggressive or frequent rubbing the eye (often due to allergies) is strongly linked to the progression of keratoconus.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, asthma, or hay fever can increase susceptibility to keratoconus.
How is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
Like most other eye conditions, early diagnosis is the key to preventing vision loss, even in keratoconus. Modern diagnostic tests include:
- Corneal Topography: Maps the shape & curve of the cornea in detail
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness
- Corneal Tomography: Provides 3D imaging of the cornea’s structure
- Keratometry: Measures corneal curvature
- Wavefront Analysis: Detects visual distortions
Good News: Corneal topography can detect keratoconus years before symptoms appear!
Modern Treatments for Keratoconus
Thanks to advancements in eye care, keratoconus is no longer as scary as it used to be. However, it is important to note that early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to control the disease and preserve vision. Some popular keratoconus treatments:
- Glasses & Contact Lenses
In early stages of keratoconus, glasses or specially designed rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses may correct vision.
- Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R / CXL)
This advanced treatment is a game-changer in stopping the progression of keratoconus.
In this treatment, riboflavin drops (Vitamin B2) are applied to the eye, followed by UV light exposure. This strengthens the corneal collagen fibers and stabilizes the cornea – preventing further thinning or bulging.
- Customized Contact Lenses
Advanced scleral lenses or hybrid lenses provide better comfort and vision in moderate to advanced cases of keratoconus.
- Intracorneal Ring Segments (ICRS)
These are tiny curved implants that are inserted into the cornea to flatten its cone shape (due to keratoconus) and improve vision.
- Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
In severe cases, where other treatments fail to provide any comfort, partial or full corneal transplant may be required to restore vision.
When Should You See an Eye Specialist?
Now that we have discussed the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments in detail, you must know what symptoms indicate immediate medical attention:
- Blurry or distorted vision that does not improve even with glasses
- Very frequent eyeglass prescription changes
- Extreme sensitivity to light and glare
- Any sudden/ unusual changes in vision
Life With Keratoconus | Daily Care Tips
Managing keratoconus is not just about medications and treatments – lifestyle and habits matter too! Here are some must-follow tips:
- Never rub your eyes vigorously
- Treat eye allergies early
- Wear UV protection glasses outdoors
- Regular eye check-ups are a must
- Follow lens hygiene strictly (if using contact lenses)
- Protect eyes during sports and dusty environments
Final Thoughts
Keratoconus can be a life-changing condition only if ignored. Early diagnosis, regular eye check-ups, and modern treatment options can prevent vision loss and significantly improve the quality of life.
Because when it comes to keratoconus, early action saves vision! If you notice frequent vision changes, eye strain, or distortion, do not brush them aside. Consult an eye specialist immediately! If you have been searching for a reliable eye doctor in Chandigarh, we have got a recommendation for you! Sohana Hospital is North India’s leading eye hospital featuring world-class doctors, most advanced technologies, and affordable rates.
Your eyes deserve expert care! Get them tested today!
