The clear outer lens of your eye is scientifically known as the cornea. In its normal state, it is usually dome-shaped, like a sphere. In some instances, however, the structure of your eye is not strong enough to hold the dome shape. It makes your eye bulge outward, like a cone. The occurrence results in keratoconus.

 

How Keratoconus Develops

Your eye contains tiny protein fibers known as collagen that help hold your cornea in place. Under certain circumstances, the tiny collagen fibers can weaken. It makes them unable to maintain the shape of the cornea. This results in your cornea taking on a more cone-like shape.

It occurs when you have a deficiency in essential protective antioxidants in your cornea. Like a car’s exhaust system, the cells in your cornea release harmful by-products. The antioxidants get rid of these by-products, protecting the collagen fibers. But if you have low antioxidant levels, the fibers weaken, and your cornea bulges.

 

Causes of Keratoconus

Researchers do not know the exact causes of keratoconus. However, they believe it is likely to be hereditary for some people. The condition has links to several things:
 

Age

Keratoconus usually starts when a patient is a teenager; others exhibit symptoms of the disease in childhood and in their thirties. Keratoconus can occur when you are 40 or older, but this is uncommon.
 

Genetics

You have a greater risk of getting keratoconus if your family suffers from it. If you are suffering from the condition, take your children to a pediatric eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. The most appropriate time is when they are around 10 years old.
 

Certain Diseases

Studies show a link between the condition and certain systemic disorders. These include osteogenesis imperfecta, Down syndrome, and retinitis pigmentosa.

 

Keratoconus Symptoms

While the condition usually affects both eyes, sometimes one eye is unaffected or mildly affected 

The symptoms of kerataconus include:
 

• Mildly distorted vision. Straight lines may appear wavy or bent even while wearing eyeglasses

• Increased sensitivity to glare and light

• Blurred vision and large eyeglass prescription changes
   

Testing for Kerataconus  
 

Symptoms of Advanced Keratoconus

As keratoconus advances, you may notice symptoms like increased astigmatism or nearsightedness. Your eyes can no longer focus well at this stage. You may require new prescription eyeglasses. You may also notice more distorted and blurry vision. In some instances, you may be unable to wear contact lenses. They become uncomfortable as they do not fit properly anymore.

 

Treating Keratoconus

Each treatment varies according to your symptoms. Mild symptoms mean eyeglasses or hard contact lenses can treat your condition. Your ophthalmologist might also treat your eye using Intacs®, small, curved devices that your eye doctor surgically inserts in your cornea. They help flatten your cornea’s curvature and improve your vision.


Your ophthalmologist might also use eye drops and a special UV light to strengthen your cornea. This collagen cross-linking procedure helps stiffen and flatten your cornea, preventing it from bulging further.


However, your eye doctor might recommend a corneal transplant if your symptoms are more severe. Here, all or part of the damaged cornea is surgically replaced with healthy donor cornea tissue.


For more on keratoconus and how it affects your vision, visit Patterson Eye Clinic at our office in Richmond, Virginia. Call (804) 285-7638 to book an appointment today.