What is Keratoconus and How Can it Affect My Vision?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on September 1, 2023

The eyes are an extremely important part of the body and need special care. They can be damaged easily and are at risk of developing numerous conditions.

In some cases, you can develop eye conditions even if you have taken the right measures to protect them. One such condition is keratoconus. 

Keep reading to learn more about keratoconus, including how it can affect your vision!

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the cornea. The cornea is the dome of transparent tissue that covers the pupil and iris at the front of the eye.

Keratoconus causes the cornea to gradually thin and bulge into a cone shape. It is not known exactly what triggers keratoconus, though some research indicates that genetics are often involved.

When you develop keratoconus, the corneal tissue progressively becomes thinner. The bulging happens due to the structure of the cornea weakening. 

Typically keratoconus begins during puberty and progresses into the mid-thirties. Unfortunately, there is no way to know or predict whether or not the condition will worsen or progress at all.

What are Some of the Most Common Symptoms of Keratoconus?

Blurry, distorted vision directly results from the dramatic change in corneal shape. The cornea helps to focus the light that passes through it so that it can land directly on the retina.

In someone with an irregular cornea, the light isn’t focused properly, leading to blurry and distorted vision. Keratoconus can also cause sensitivity to light or problems with glare. 

This is especially prominent at night while driving, as headlights become a huge nuisance. You may notice frequent changes in your glasses prescription or a sudden worsening of your eyesight. 

What Do I Do If I Think I May Be Experiencing Symptoms of Keratoconus?

If you find yourself struggling with symptoms of keratoconus, it’s important to visit your eye doctor for a thorough evaluation. Many eye conditions share symptoms, so it is important to seek a professional opinion. 

Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor in Springfield, MO, with Missouri Eye Institute for the right diagnosis and treatment. 

Can Keratoconus Be Treated?

There are some treatment methods available to help those with keratoconus. It is best to treat keratoconus early. 

Often, you can correct vision problems from the condition simply by using glasses or contact lenses. These will help you maintain your vision and daily lifestyle. 

For those with advanced keratoconus, a corneal transplant may be needed. Missouri Eye Institute offers extraordinary corneal care with state-of-the-art corneal transplant surgeries. 

Also known as keratoplasty, your eye doctor can find the right surgical solution, whether it is a full or partial-thickness transplant. Fortunately, keratoplasty is considered to be one of the most successful transplant surgeries in modern times. 

Corneal transplants are statistically the best way to repair eyes that have been physically damaged from trauma or certain eye conditions, like keratoconus. If you are concerned about your risk of developing keratoconus, bring your concerns to your next appointment with Missouri Eye Institute. 

Do you think you may be experiencing symptoms of keratoconus? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!