Symptoms that indicate that you may be suffering from Keratoconus
Keratoconus causes changes in the structure of the corneal tissue at the front of the eye. As the cornea accounts for over 70% of the focussing capacity of the eye then any distortion in the shape of the cornea has a profound effect on vision. Keratoconus brings about a thinning of the cornea tissues, leading to an irregular cone shape appearing on the surface.
It is important to diagnose keratoconus at an early stage so that the condition is monitored and any appropriate treatment undertaken at the optimum time to preserve vision and the corneal tissue itself.
Symptoms that indicate that you may be suffering from Keratoconus are:
Patients may experience a blurring of vision with a greater sensitivity to light or glare in the early stages of keratoconus. Patients first experience short-sightedness in their early or late teens and again the progression can renew in the late 20’s.
As the keratoconus condition progresses, it can take months or years to develop the typical bulge on the front of the eye. Others experience a rapid deterioration of vision within months where glasses and contacts have to be repeatedly changed to cope with the changing vision.
If the corneal change is dramatic, tiny cracks may begin to appear in the cornea due the the pressure and strain of the changes on the tissue. This may well cause severe swelling and discomfort for a number of months and can lead to corneal scarring too.
Testing for Keratoconus
Keratoconus may be found using the following tests:
• Slit lamp examination of the corneal surface
• Corneal topography where a map of the curve of the cornea is created.
•Pachymetry is a painless test that may be done when the condition is advanced and the cornea is thinner at the point of the cone.
Treatment for keratoconus
When suffering from keratoconus, the following treatments may be undertaken:
• Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses can be used in the early stages to correct astigmatism and mild near-sightedness caused by the keratoconus.
• Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses can be used to correct vision when the disorder progresses and the cornea becomes thinner and changes shape. The RGP lenses should be fitted carefully and checked regularly since vision may change significantly with the keratoconus.
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking is a well established treatment plan for keratoconus. Some clinics have developed the procedure so that there is no progression of the keratoconus after the treatment.
Topography Guided Custom Ablation followed by Cross-linking has also been very successful in treating the high disparity between the corneal surface and the height of the cone. By reducing the height of the cone through this very specific laser treatment, better acuity of vision has been obtained in many cases after the cross- linking has been completed.
A Corneal transplant may be needed in cases where the keratoconus has left the cornea very thin and likely to burst. Recovery from a corneal transplant is measured in months and years and in some cases there is rejection of the tissue and the operation may need to be repeated.
Studies show that keratoconus cannot be prevented. It is therefore essential that when you begin to observe or experience symptoms associated with keratoconus you should immediately see your optician and try and seek a treatment plan that will halt its progression.
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John Andrews is witness to some of the leading developments in laser eye surgery and Keratoconus treatment through his involvement in Accuvision Laser Eye Care Clinics. He meets with patients from around the world who travel to Accuvision for its leading edge technology, treatments and the outstanding results they are able to safely deliver.
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