Keratoconus

Keratoconus can cause blurry and distorted vision, making daily activities such as driving or reading difficult. At University Eye Associates in Charlotte, Davidson, and Harrisburg (Rocky River), NC, we offer comprehensive eye exams to diagnose keratoconus and offer treatment to provide the best quality of vision possible. Learn more about this condition and how it is treated below: 

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to thin over time making it dome shaped –which can result in light sensitivity, glare, and blurred vision. This condition normally affects both eyes, but can progress faster in one eye. About one in 2,000 people have Keratoconus and there is no cure for the disease.

Who Does Keratoconus Primarily Affect?

Keratoconus typically starts at puberty and continually progresses into the mid-30s. The exact cause of keratoconus is still not fully understood. Studies show that people who develop keratoconus may have a predisposition at birth related to the collagen within the cornea. Some factors that can increase your chances of developing Keratoconus include the following:

• Genetics
• Chronic eye inflammation
• Eye rubbing
• Connective Tissue Disorders

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Keratoconus can cause a variety of symptoms, which can sometimes be difficult to recognize early on. You may first experience blurry or poor vision that cannot be fixed with normal methods of vision correction, such as glasses or standard contact lenses. Some symptoms of Keratoconus include:

• Glare and halos
• Difficulty driving at night vision
• Eye pain
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Increased light sensitivity
• Decline in vision or cloudy vision

How an Optometrist Diagnoses Keratoconus

Our eye doctors can detect Keratoconus after reviewing your family history and performing a comprehensive eye exam.  To further test and diagnose Keratoconus, our optometrists may perform the following:

• Corneal topography
• Slit-lamp exam

Treatment Options for Keratoconus

Treatment for Keratoconus focuses on correcting vision impairments at any stage of the disease.

Early and Intermediate Stages

Treatment in the early stages is similar to treating nearsightedness or astigmatism. The progression of the disease may require switching from glasses to hard contact lenses.

Collagen corneal cross linking is highly considered in earlier stages of keratoconus. This procedure helps flatten and provides rigidity to the cornea to possibly prevent further thinning and progression.  Corneal cross linking requires applying vitamin B2 (riboflavin) solution to the eye, followed by ultraviolet light.

Advanced Stage

Treatment in the advanced stages involves using corneal rings to flatten the cornea or a corneal transplant.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing symptoms of Keratoconus, our team at University Eye Associates in Charlotte, Davidson, and Harrisburg (Rocky River), NC, can help. We can evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that can help improve your vision and help slow the progression. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. We look forward to improving your eye health!