Keratoconus symptoms and eye treatment options

Keratoconus

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition that causes the naturally round surface of the cornea to weaken and bulge forward into a conical shape. The bulging of the cornea therefore affects the way the light hits the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in distorted vision.

What Causes Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is caused by a weakening of collagen and a decrease in protective antioxidants in the corneaa.

Collagen are tiny fibres of protein in the eye that are responsible for keeping the cornea in place.

Protective antioxidants are responsible for protecting the collagen fibres by expelling the damaging by-products that the cornea cells produce in the eye.

Therefore, if antioxidant levels are low, the collagen fibres weaken, causing the cornea to bulge.

What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

The primary symptom of keratoconus is an irregular shaped cornea, where it appears to 'bulge' forward from the eye socket.

Rapid deterioration of vision in teens to 25 year olds
Astigmatism (blurred or unfocused vision)
Myopia (short-sightedness)
Eye halos and ghosting
Problems with glare from lamps or the sun
Poor night vision
Eye strain, pain and irritation
Headaches

If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily routine or are present to the point of causing pain, we recommend you to book an appointment with a LASERSIGHT Consultant Optometrist .

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If you need further information our friendly operators are available to discuss your personal needs. Live chat is also available or take our complimentary eye assessment.

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How will a LASERSIGHT Doctor Diagnose Keratoconus?

Your LASERSIGHT doctor will test for keratoconus by conducting one or more of these examinations:

Corneal Topography - which shows a map of the surface curvature of the cornea
Keratometry - which measures the curvature of the cornea
Corneal Pachymetry - which measures the thickness of the cornea
Slit-lamp Examination - where a light is shone through a bio microscope to magnify and examine the eye

What are the Risk Factors of Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is usually diagnosed as an isolated disorder but there have been instances where it has been reported in association with Down Syndrome, Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, and Mitral Valve Prolapse.

It is also believed that genetics, the environment and the endocrine system all play a role in keratoconus. For example, oxidative stress, allergies and eye rubbing are known to be risk factors of developing keratoconus.

How do I Prevent the Onset of Keratoconus?

Avoid vigorous rubbing of your eyes
Avoid allergens to decrease the risk of eye irritation

What are the Long Term Implications of Keratoconus?

Without treatment, keratoconus can progressively lead to significant vision impairment and loss of quality of life. Keratoconus in very bad cases can cause blindness.

However, with many advanced eye treatments available today, some patients with keratoconus are able to continue with their everyday life as usual post-surgery.

What are the Treatment Options for Keratoconus?

The corneal deformity associated with keratoconus distorts vision, and impacts the patient's quality of life. It is important to note that vision cannot be corrected with glasses.

INTACS (Corneal Implants)

A small device that is implanted in the cornea to flatten the cornea and change the refraction of light passing through the cornea on its way to the retina.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL)

An operation in which a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and UV light is used to harden the cornea. This method is effective in stopping the progress of the disease and reduces the need for corneal transplantation.

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible for Lasik for CustomEyes?

Generally, a suitable candidate will be at least 20 years of age, have had a stable vision for the last 12 months, is not pregnant, is free of certain diseases of the cornea and retina and is generally in good health.

How long will the procedure take?

Each procedure takes only a few minutes on each eye but you will need to be at the centre for a few hours to ensure all pre- and post-operative checks are carried out.

How soon can I get back to normal, drive, play sport or go to work?

Most people return to work and drive the day after LASIK surgery.

Will I be able to throw away my glasses after LASIK?

This depends on your age and what you and the surgeon decide. The goal is for you to throw away your glasses!

Do I need to take time off from work?

This depends on the procedure you have and your work environment. It is possible to have a consultation and surgery on the same day.

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Just like a fingerprint, no two eyes are the same. That's why the optimal visual result for your eyes can only be achieved if your eyes are examined, measured and treated uniquely and individually.

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