What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea, which is normally round, thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This corneal thinning and cone shape distorts vision since it deflects light as it enters the eye on the way to the retina.
This eye disorder affects about 1 in 2000 people. Research studies show that it is a genetic disorder that runs in families. Keratoconus can be detected during a routine eye exam by one of our optometrists due to the cone-shaped cornea. Effective treatment of Keratoconus requires special equipment, training, and skills. If you have it and have children, it’s a good idea to have their eyes checked for it in the preteen years.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus frequently starts to develop during teen years to the early 20s, however, it can develop at any age. Changes in the shape of the cornea occur gradually, usually over several years. In most patients with Keratoconus, both eyes eventually become affected.
Early Stages of Keratoconus
Keratoconus damages the cornea. The cornea is the clear, central part of the surface of the eye. In those patients affected by the disease, the cone-shaped cornea deflects light and causes distorted vision. Keratoconus progresses more rapidly in people with certain medical problems, including certain allergic conditions. It could be related to chronic eye rubbing.
Do You Have Keratoconus?
The disorder is caused by a decrease in protective antioxidants in the cornea. The eye doctors at Peachtree Corners Eye Clinic gives each patient a thorough examination to measure the curvature of the cornea. The cornea of a Keratoconus patient becomes thin and takes on an irregular, cone shape.
Some frequent signs that you may be struggling with this condition might include:
- Frequently needing to change eyeglass prescriptions
- Progressive nearsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Blurred vision
- Consistent problems with glare and light sensitivity.
Schedule an appointment with our optometrist today and let’s help you see the world clearly again.
Keratoconus Treatment & Management
Scleral (contact) lenses or hybrid (contact) lens are considered the most significant technological advancement in the management of keratoconus. These comfortable lenses are usually the choice that our eye doctor prescribes because of their ability to create a smooth symmetrical ocular surface needed for clearer vision, without the discomfort that may be associated with traditional rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Frequent visits to the optometrist may be necessary to make certain the fit and prescription of your lenses are correct, especially if Keratoconus continues to progress.
Additional treatments are often recommended to help slow down the progression of corneal thinning. These include corneal crosslinking procedures that are minimally invasive and help strengthen the collagen framework in the cornea. Although this is not a fix for the visual acuity, it does prevent further progression of the disease and significantly improve later visual prognosis. Our office works very closely with surgeons in the area to arrange treatments when necessary.
If you or someone you love may be struggling with this eye disease, schedule an appointment with us. Let our family help take care of yours.
Clinic Location
4005 Holcomb Bridge Rd
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Call us today to set up your appointment.
770-441-1211
Our Office is conveniently located close to the intersection of Holcomb Bridge Rd and Spalding Dr. We are a stone’s throw from Norcross, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and Berkley Lake, Chamblee, Doraville, Brookhaven, and Johns Creek.