What is keratoconus? Keratoconus is a condition affecting the cornea, the clear front window of the eye that normally focuses light allowing you to see clearly. In keratoconus, the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone shaped, causing distortion of your vision (see images below). normal cornea cornea with keratoconus It is an uncommon condition, affecting about 1 in 2000 people. It is often diagnosed in the teenage years and classically progresses between 15 to 25 years old. In the thirties the condition tends to stabilise and rarely progresses after 35 years old. What are the symptoms? Keratoconus is usually present in both eyes, although it may be worse in one eye than the other. The symptoms include: blurred vision and distortion glare frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions with increase in myopia (short sightedness) and astigmatism (corneal irregularity). Occasionally, rapid progression of keratoconus can lead to sudden swelling and ‘whitening’ of the cornea leading to a sudden reduction in vision, light sensitivity and a red eye. This is called ‘hydrops’ and is caused by a tiny break in one of the layers in the cornea allowing the cornea to swell. It gradually heals over several months and leaves a scar on the cornea. What causes keratoconus? The cause of keratoconus is still unknown. There are several risk factors that have been found to be associated with the condition, for example: excessive eye rubbing which is often associated with allergy symptoms a family history.
What is keratoconus? Keratoconus is a condition affecting the cornea, the clear front window of the eye that normally focuses light allowing you to see clearly. In keratoconus, the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone shaped, causing distortion of your vision (see images below). normal cornea cornea with keratoconus It is an uncommon condition, affecting about 1 in 2000 people. It is often diagnosed in the teenage years and classically progresses between 15 to 25 years old. In the thirties the condition tends to stabilise and rarely progresses after 35 years old. What are the symptoms? Keratoconus is usually present in both eyes, although it may be worse in one eye than the other. The symptoms include: blurred vision and distortion glare frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions with increase in myopia (short sightedness) and astigmatism (corneal irregularity). Occasionally, rapid progression of keratoconus can lead to sudden swelling and ‘whitening’ of the cornea leading to a sudden reduction in vision, light sensitivity and a red eye. This is called ‘hydrops’ and is caused by a tiny break in one of the layers in the cornea allowing the cornea to swell. It gradually heals over several months and leaves a scar on the cornea. What causes keratoconus? The cause of keratoconus is still unknown. There are several risk factors that have been found to be associated with the condition, for example: excessive eye rubbing which is often associated with allergy symptoms a family history.