Keratoconus
What is keratoconus and what causes it?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, the clear window on the front of the eye. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. In Australia, keratoconus has been shown in a recent study in 2020 to affect up to 1 in 84 individuals in their 20s, making it a relatively common condition.
Keratoconus is thought be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that about 20% of patients with keratoconus have relatives affected. There are genetic conditions including Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome associated with keratoconus. Additionally, environmental factors such as eye rubbing and chronic eye irritation may contribute to the progression of the condition. It tends to start in teenage years and can get worse over time. However, the progression tends to slow down in the forties.
Keratoconic cornea
What is the treatment of keratoconus?
After diagnosis is confirmed by clinical exam and tomography scan, Dr Li will discuss with you the management of your keratoconus. This is focussed on two main approaches to manage your keratoconus.
Monitor and prevention of progression:
Avoid eye rubbing: Dr Li will advise you to use over the counter preservative free lubricating eye drops to alleviate itchiness. Prescription only medication which contains anti-histamine, mast-cell stabiliser or steroid drops may also be provided depending on severity of your symptoms.
Regular follow up: It is recommended you have regular follow up every 3-6 months to monitor for progression of your keratoconus. This can manifest as worsening vision, stronger prescription, or increased curvature of your cornea on the repeat scan.
Corneal cross-linking if there is evidence of progression, as discussed later in a separate article. Click here.
Treating your vision:
Vision can be significantly improved through various techniques ranging from conservative to surgical approaches.
In some patients, glasses alone can improve your vision. However, in others, a hard contact lens can help achieve superior vision that glasses alone cannot correct. Hard contact lenses, also known as rigid gas permeable lenses, provide a spherical surface on top of the keratoconus cornea, can provide sharp crisp vision in some patients.
Furthermore, for individuals with advanced keratoconus or significant corneal scarring from keratoconus, corneal transplantation may be considered to replace the damaged corneal tissue with a healthy donor graft, offering a chance for improved vision and quality of life.
With advancements in keratoconus surgery, individuals affected by this condition have increasingly promising options for achieving better vision and overall eye health.