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What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus (KC) is a non-inflammatory, progressive disorder characterized by thinning of the cornea causing a cone-like bulge to develop. The progression may be rapid or take years to develop, and patients experience a decrease in vision from mild to severe. It is a relatively rare disorder with it occurring in an estimated 1 in 2,000 individuals in the general population.
Generally, the onset of Keratoconus occurs during the teenage years, and in most cases affects both eyes. However, it may be diagnosed at any age with one eye affected long before the other shows symptoms of the disease.
Keratoconus causes blurring and distortion of vision, as well as sensitivity to light. In the early stages, vision can be corrected with eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. As the disease progresses, special rigid gas permeable lenses are fitted to correct the vision. Patients may need frequent prescription changes as the cornea continues to thin and change shape.
In more severe cases, a cornea graft may be necessary. A transplant becomes necessary when the cornea becomes extremely thin, scarring is severe, corneal tissue can no longer support a lens, the patient can no longer tolerate a contact lens, or an adequate correction can no longer be achieved.
What causes Keratoconus?
No one knows for sure, but scientists have a few theories. One is that it is a genetic in origin. Another that is part of another disease process.
Will I need a cornea transplant?
Only an estimated 20% to 25% of Keratoconus patients require a transplant and no one can accurately predict who will require a transplant as their disease progresses.
What about Intacs for Keratoconus?
This is a relatively new procedure for treating Keratoconus. A corneal surgeon inserts ring segments in the layers of the cornea to flatten the cone and improve vision. We have published a case study here.
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