Simply put, Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the eye that affects the shape and structure of the cornea. Round, the cornea starts to thin out and bulge into a cone-like shape, which deflects the light entering the eye on its way to the retina, causing distorted vision. As the form of the cornea begins to deteriorate further, nearsightedness can develop along with irregular astigmatism, which can tend to worsen the condition further. In addition to distorted vision, patients experience glare and light sensitivity, as well as fluctuations in their vision clarity and strength. Keratoconus is very common around the world, and can start to develop as early as the teenage years in some cases.
Keratoconus commonly caused by a decrease in protective antioxidants in the cornea, which protect from general damage caused by factors such as dust and exhaust fumes. When antioxidants levels are low, the collagen weakens, and the cornea bulges out. The structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape. Keratoconus can cause substantial distortion of vision, often resulting in complications such as streaking, multiple images and sensitivity to light. Here are several treatments available for Keratoconus, which are selected and administered depending on the patient’s condition. These treatments include:
