What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive condition that results in the weakening of your cornea until it ultimately steepens and thins so much it distorts vision. While in the past only hard contact lenses could correct vision until a major surgery – corneal transplant – was necessary, today effective solutions can help offset the effects of keratoconus and even halt the progression of the disease
The disease typically begins to appear in your late teens and early 20s and continues into your 50s. Mild forms of keratoconus may not be diagnosed until after age 30. Now that treatment exists to halt the progression of this condition, early diagnosis and intervention is crucial to avoid visual disability.
Who does it affect?
Keratoconus is reported to affect 1 in 2,000 people. The process usually begins in the early teen years and can progress into a patient’s 30s and 40s.
Does it affect both eyes?
Keratoconus is normally found in both eyes, although the distortion is usually asymmetrical and is rarely identical between eyes.
What are the symptoms?
- Minor blurring of the vision (early)
- Light sensitivity
- Decreasing visual acuity, sometimes rapidly
- Vision may be worse in one eye
- Poor night vision
- Multiple “ghost” images know as monocular polyopia
- Streaking and/or flaring of vision around light sources
- Need for frequent changes in eye glass or contact lens prescriptions
- Headaches and general eye pain
