Keratoconus

Keratoconus Treatment At The Vision Place

We see through our eye’s cornea which contains a clear outer lens. A normal cornea is shaped like a ball or a dome. If the structure of the cornea is not strong enough to hold the round shape, it causes a condition called keratoconus.

What Causes This Condition?

Your eye contains tiny fibers of a protein called collagen. These tiny fibers hold the cornea in place, keeping its round shape. If the fibers are weak, they won’t be able to help the round shape, and over time, the cornea will become shaped more like a cone.

Who Is at Risk Of Developing Keratoconus?

Keratoconus tends to run in families. If you have the condition, there is a good chance that your children will develop it as well. Certain diseases and medical conditions can also cause the condition such as retinitis pigmentosa, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Down syndrome, hay fever, and asthma. If you rub your eyes often, you would also be at risk.

When Does Keratoconus Usually Begin?

In most cases, the condition begins in the teen years. It is possible for the symptoms to begin earlier in childhood and up to until a person is 30-years-old. It is possible for a person in their 40’s to develop the condition; however, it is rare.

What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

Keratoconus can cause a few different symptoms. Some people develop all of the symptoms while others develop just one or two. The symptoms include:

• Blurry vision which is often mild
• Distorted vision such as straight lines looking wavy or bent
• Sensitivity to light
• Problems with glare
• Redness and swelling of the eyes

How Is This Condition Diagnosed?

Your optometrist can detect the signs of keratoconus during your annual eye exam. If you are having symptoms, you should schedule an appointment. If one of your parents have the condition, but you are showing no signs, you should still be checked by your eye doctor.

How Is Keratoconus Treated?

There are a few treatments for this condition. The one that your eye doctor would choose would depend on the severity of the condition.

• Glasses or soft contacts: In the early stages, glasses or contacts would be used to treat the blurred and distorted vision.
• Gas permeable contacts: Gas permeable contacts are often used to treat this condition because they can correct your vision and they are strong enough to hold your cornea’s round shape. If you find hard lenses uncomfortable, your doctor can prescribe piggyback lenses. This is where you would wear a soft lens under the hard lens to provide a cushion.
• Scleral lenses: If the shape of your eye is too irregular for gas permeable lenses, scleral lenses will improve your vision. Rather than resting on the eyeball, these lenses will sit on the white part of your eye and vault over the cornea without making any contact.

Contact The Vision Place in San Antonio, TX!

Contact our optometrist at The Vision Place in San Antonio to make an appointment for an assessment of your eyes. Call our office today at 210-764-1113 to find out more information.