Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that affects the cornea's shape, causing it to thin and bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This distortion can significantly impair your vision, making everyday tasks increasingly challenging. While the exact cause of keratoconus remains unknown, several factors contribute to its development, including genetics, excessive eye rubbing, and certain underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms of Keratoconus 

The symptoms of keratoconus typically appear in the late teens or early twenties, though they can manifest at any age. Initially, you may experience mild vision problems, such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light and glare. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
 

• Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• Double vision or ghosting of images
• Halos or streaks around bright lights

If left untreated, keratoconus can lead to severe vision impairment, making it crucial to seek prompt medical attention.

Initial Steps in Diagnosing Keratoconus

If you experience any vision changes or suspect you may have keratoconus, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with an optometrist. During your initial visit, your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to assess your vision and evaluate the condition of your eyes.
 

The diagnostic process may include the following steps:
 

• Visual Acuity Test: This test measures your ability to see clearly at various distances, helping to identify any vision problems.
• Refraction Test: Your eye care professional will use a phoropter to determine the appropriate lens prescription for correcting your vision.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: This specialized microscope allows your doctor to closely examine the structures of your eye, including the cornea, for any abnormalities.
• Corneal Topography: This imaging technique creates a detailed map of the cornea's surface, revealing any irregularities or thinning associated with keratoconus.
• Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of your cornea, which can help diagnose keratoconus and monitor its progression.

Based on these examinations, your eye care professional can determine if you have keratoconus and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Keratoconus Treatment Options

While keratoconus is a progressive condition, various treatment options are available to manage its symptoms and slow its progression. The appropriate treatment plan will depend on the severity of your condition and the stage at which it is diagnosed.

The primary goals of keratoconus treatment are:
 

• Improving visual acuity and reducing distortions
• Slowing or halting the progression of the condition
• Preventing further vision loss

Treatment options for keratoconus may include:
 

• Specialized Contact Lenses: These lenses are designed to correct the irregular corneal shape and improve vision.
• Corneal Cross-Linking: This procedure strengthens and stabilizes the corneal tissue, slowing or stopping the progression of keratoconus.
• Intracorneal Ring Segments (ICRS): These small, implantable rings can reshape the cornea and improve vision in some cases.
• Corneal Transplant Surgery: In advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision.

Your eye care professional will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your condition, your age, and your individual needs.

Types of Contact Lenses for Keratoconus

For many individuals with keratoconus, specialized contact lenses are often the first line of treatment. These lenses are designed to vault over the irregularly shaped cornea, providing a smooth surface for light to enter the eye, improving visual acuity and reducing distortions.

There are several types of contact lenses used in the treatment of keratoconus, including:
 

• Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses are made from a rigid, highly oxygen-permeable material that maintains its shape while conforming to the irregular corneal surface. RGP lenses can significantly improve vision in the early stages of keratoconus.
• Hybrid Lenses: Combining a rigid center with a soft peripheral skirt, hybrid lenses provide the visual benefits of RGP lenses while offering increased comfort and stability on the eye.
• Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter lenses vault over the entire cornea, resting on the whites of the eyes (sclera). Scleral lenses can effectively correct vision in advanced keratoconus cases.
• Piggyback Lenses: In this system, a soft contact lens is worn underneath an RGP lens, providing additional comfort and improved visual acuity.

Your eye care professional will assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable contact lens option for your stage of keratoconus.

Managing Keratoconus with the Help of Skowron Eye Care

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that requires ongoing management and care. While the available treatment options can effectively improve vision and slow or halt the progression of the condition, it's essential to maintain regular eye examinations and follow your eye care professional's recommendations.

If you suspect you may have keratoconus or are experiencing vision changes, schedule an appointment with our experienced eye care professionals. At Skowron Eye Care, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Visit Skowron Eye Care at our office in Elmhurst, Illinois, or call (630) 834-6244 to book an appointment today.