Understanding Keratoconus and Its Treatment Options
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye responsible for focusing light. In keratoconus, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and bulges outward into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to slow or stop its progression and preserve vision quality.
What Is Keratoconus?
In a healthy eye, the cornea has a smooth, round shape that helps focus light properly onto the retina. However, in keratoconus, structural changes weaken the corneal tissue, causing it to bulge outward. This irregular shape leads to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
The exact cause of keratoconus isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors. It often begins in the late teens or early 20s and can worsen over time.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of keratoconus may vary from mild to severe and typically progress over several years:
Blurred or distorted vision
Increased sensitivity to light and glare
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
Difficulty driving at night
Eye strain or headaches
Double vision (especially in one eye)
If you notice these symptoms, especially if your vision continues to change rapidly, it’s important to schedule an eye examination with a specialist.