What is Keratoconus? What is the treatment for keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal condition that causes the cornea to thin.  The thinning of the cornea causes irregular astigmatism and a decrease in visual acuity.  This condition is progressive and will often continue to worsen over time.  It is often diagnosed between 15-25 years of age.  The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown.  It is thought to be related to allergies and/or eye rubbing.  Keratoconus typically occurs in both eyes however it is common for one eye to advance more quickly.   

The initial treatment for keratoconus is glasses and contact lenses.  Often a hard contact lense or specialty contact lenses are used to help improve one’s vision.  Once keratoconus has advance to its severe state a corneal transplant is often recommended.  A corneal transplant is an invasive surgical procedure where one gets a donor cornea. 

Keratoconus will disqualify one from refractive surgery, PRK or LASIK.  Refractive surgery will worsen this condition significantly.

Treatment options:

 
     Glasses

     Contact lenses, soft

     Contact lenses, hard

     Corneal Transplant