Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease during which a thinning cornea gradually gets distorted and forms a cone. The result is impaired vision and a reduction in quality of life. Keratoconus can affect one or both eyes, and symptoms may include:
- Nearsightedness
- Irregular astigmatism
- Glare and light sensitivity
- Changes in eyeglass prescriptions
What causes keratoconus?
There are many theories as to why keratoconus forms. Some report it is due to an enzyme imbalance that makes the cornea more susceptible to thinning and erosion. There are also genetic reasons why keratoconus might occur, with the condition being seen in multiple family members. Other factors that might cause keratoconus include:
- Excessive rubbing of the eyes
- Contact lenses that don’t fit well
- Excessive sun exposure
- Chronic inflammation in the eyes
How is keratoconus treated?
There are several different options for treating keratoconus. Your eye doctor will choose the best path forward after performing an in-depth examination and consultation. Solutions may include:
- Corneal Cross-Linking – This treatment uses ultraviolet light and riboflavin eye drops to help restore strength and stability to the cornea. Thinning is reduced while the corneas are able to better hold their naturally rounded shape.
- Intacs – These are thin strips that are placed on the cornea to help modify its shape and projection. They can be highly customized to address your unique degree of disease progression. Intacs act as an alternative to laser surgery, and the whole process takes roughly ten minutes to perform.
What is the takeaway?
While keratoconus can inhibit your lifestyle, today, there are many convenient solutions that can help restore the natural shape of the cornea and give you relief from impaired vision. Call us today at Pacific Vision Institute to discover how we can help restore your peace of mind through personalized, strategic care and our advanced, cutting-edge technology.