Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that we diagnose and treat at both our Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads eye clinics. Your Envision Optical optometrist will usually detect keratoconus as part of our routine comprehensive examination. This condition affects your cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped tissue that covers the front of the eye. The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina at the back of your eye, which helps you to see clearly. When you experience keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges forwards becoming more conical in shape, causing blurred and distorted vision.
What causes Keratoconus?
Keratoconus typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood (somewhere between the ages of 10 and 25) and will usually progress over time. The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but there appears to be an inherited component, and in latest studies using high tech scans it has been found to occur in as many as 1 in 30 people. Other studies range from 1 in 100-700: still more common than previously thought! Other factors that may contribute to the development of keratoconus include chronic eye rubbing, certain connective tissue disorders, and chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Symptoms to look out for.
The symptoms of keratoconus can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In the initial stages, you may experience mild blurring or distortion of vision, particularly when looking at objects in the distance. As the condition progresses, your vision can become more severely impaired, with double vision, ghosting of images, and halos around lights becoming more common even with prescription glasses. You may also experience increased sensitivity to light and glare, and your eye may feel irritated or itchy.
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Eye exams are essential.
If you are concerned about blurred vision or changes in your vision, it is important to book in to see us for an eye exam. During this exam, your optometrist will examine the shape and thickness of your cornea using specialized instruments, we will also perform other tests to assess the health of your eyes and determine the best course of treatment. A decrease in vision will indicate performing digital corneal topography measurement and OCT corneal scan, which maps the exact shape and curvature of the cornea. We have the latest technology in our clinics to acquire these topography images during your appointment.
Solutions for Keratoconus.
There are several treatment options available for keratoconus, depending on the severity of the condition. Current best practice is for any patient showing change or progression to be referred to a corneal specialist for consideration of corneal cross-linking therapy. This involves the application of a special type of ultraviolet light to your cornea, followed by the application of a riboflavin solution. This helps to strengthen your cornea and prevent further thinning, slowing the progression of the disease.
In terms of achieving clear vision, in mild cases, glasses or contact lenses may be sufficient to correct vision. However, as the condition progresses, your Envision optometrists will discuss whether fitting specialised contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable lenses or scleral lenses, may be necessary to provide clear vision.
In cases where contact lenses and corneal cross-linking are not sufficient to provide you with clear vision, corneal transplantation may be necessary. During this procedure, your damaged cornea tissue is replaced with a healthy tissue from a donor cornea. Corneal transplantation is generally reserved as a last resort to provide good vision for severe cases of keratoconus, where you do not respond to other treatments.
At Envision Optical we have the experience and latest technology to diagnose and address this progressive eye condition that can cause significant visual impairment if left untreated. Both our eye clinics offer solutions to Keratoconus and other customised contact lens needs. If you suspect you may have keratoconus, it is important to book an appointment with us for an eye exam. With the right treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms of keratoconus and improve your vision.