Keratoconus

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye disease that causes cone-shaped corneas. The corneas stretch and thin out as they form a cone, which causes problems such as:

• Astigmatism (irregular cornea curvature)
• Blurry vision
• Poor night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Increased myopia

Keratoconus can significantly affect your vision and may also harm your self-confidence. But keratoconus is a very treatable condition with support from the Ypsilanti Vision team. 

What causes keratoconus?

Medical professionals aren’t certain about what causes keratoconus. Genetics may play a role, as about 10% of keratoconus sufferers have a parent with the same condition. 

Having chronic health problems like eye allergies, asthma, or connective tissue disorders can also contribute to the development of keratoconus. Keratoconus occurs in children and adults with down syndrome 20 times more often than in the general population. 

How do you diagnose keratoconus?

Ypsilanti Vision can diagnose keratoconus during a comprehensive eye exam. By examining your cornea closely during a slit lamp exam, your optometrist can observe changes in your cornea. 

To determine cornea steepness, thickness, and shape, your optometrist may use specialized imaging tests like computerized 3D corneal mapping.  

What is the best treatment for keratoconus?

Because keratoconus causes nearsightedness and blurry vision, you’ll need an up-to-date vision prescription to see clearly. Specialty contact lenses are usually a good treatment choice for keratoconus. 

There are a few different choices in keratoconus lenses, including: 

• Standard soft contact lenses for very mild keratoconus
• Rigid gas permeable lenses, or hard contact lenses
• Hybrid lenses (contacts with a hard center and soft outer ring)
• Piggyback lenses (soft lens underneath a hard one)
• Scleral lenses (large-diameter lenses that vault over your cornea for comfort)

At Ypsilanti Vision, the experienced eye doctors offer a variety of specialty contact lenses for keratoconus. Your optometrist discusses your lifestyle and needs with you to help you find the most comfortable way to control your condition. 

In most cases, keratoconus responds to specialty contacts. For advanced keratoconus, you may need a specialized treatment like collagen cross-linking, which helps you grow new collagen fibers to strengthen and flatten your cornea. 

If you have serious keratoconus complications like corneal scarring, you could need a corneal transplant. It’s important to see the eye doctor as soon as you have vision changes so you can avoid such complications. 

Do you suspect keratoconus? Call Ypsilanti Vision or book an appointment online today.