Symptoms
Early symptoms may include:
Blurred vision
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Increased sensitivity to light and glare As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
Distorted vision
Difficulty driving at night
Double vision in one eye
Causes
The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but several factors are thought to contribute:
Genetics: Keratoconus can run in families.
Environmental factors: Eye rubbing, allergies, and certain medical conditions may play a role.
Enzyme imbalance: An imbalance of enzymes in the cornea may weaken the tissue.
Medicine Used
There is no cure for keratoconus, but treatments can help manage the condition and improve vision.
Eyeglasses and Soft Contact Lenses: Used in early stages to correct mild nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: Used as the disease progresses to provide a more regular refracting surface.
Specialty Contact Lenses: Including hybrid, piggyback, and scleral lenses, designed for irregular corneal shapes.
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): A procedure that strengthens the cornea to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.
Intacs (Intracorneal Ring Segments): Small plastic rings inserted into the cornea to flatten the cone shape and improve vision.
Corneal Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty or Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty - DALK): Used in advanced cases when other treatments are not effective.
Precautions
Avoid Eye Rubbing: Excessive eye rubbing can worsen the condition.
Treat Allergies: Manage allergies to reduce the urge to rub your eyes.
Regular Eye Exams: Get regular eye exams to monitor the progression of keratoconus and adjust treatment as needed.
UV Protection: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which may exacerbate the condition.
How long does an outbreak last?
Keratoconus is not an "outbreak" type of disease. It is a chronic, progressive condition. It develops over time, and there isn't a specific "outbreak" period. The progression rate varies from person to person.
How is it diagnosed?
Keratoconus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
Visual Acuity Test: To measure sharpness of vision.
Refraction: To determine the eyeglass prescription needed.
Slit-Lamp Examination: To examine the cornea for characteristic signs of keratoconus.
Corneal Topography: A mapping technique that creates a detailed picture of the corneal shape.
Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of keratoconus symptoms varies from person to person, but generally follows this pattern:
Early Stage: Mild blurring of vision, frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, increased sensitivity to light.
Progressive Stage: Increased blurring and distortion of vision, difficulty driving at night, need for specialized contact lenses.
Advanced Stage: Significant visual impairment, corneal scarring, potential need for corneal transplant.
Important Considerations
Early Detection is Key: Early diagnosis and treatment, such as corneal cross-linking, can help slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.
Individualized Treatment: Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and the stage of the disease.
Long-Term Management: Keratoconus requires ongoing monitoring and management by an eye care professional.
Genetic Counseling: Individuals with a family history of keratoconus may consider genetic counseling.