Keratoconus

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a very rare eye condition in which the normally round, dome-like cornea (the clear front window of the eye) becomes thin and develops a cone-like bulge. Keratoconus literally means “cone-shaped cornea.” Keratoconus is often specifically studied by a group of ophthalmologists known as corneal specialists. This does not mean an non FACS ophthalmologist cannot treat the disease but it means that this ophthalmologist has done a fellowship studying the cornea and corneal diseases.

The cornea is a very important part of your eye. As light enters the eye, it refracts, or focuses, the light rays so that you can see clearly. With keratoconus, the shape of the cornea is altered, distorting your vision. Keratoconus can make some activities difficult, such as driving, typing on a computer, watching television or reading.

Symptoms of keratoconus?

Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, however; symptoms in each eye may differ. Surprisingly, this is not an eye condition that affects only the elderly.

Keratoconus Symptoms

Symptoms typically start to occur in people who are in their late teens and early twenties and may include:

• Mild blurring of vision
• Distortion of vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Glare
• Slight irritation