Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and curve outward. It can lead to blurry vision, glare, and other symptoms. While there is no cure for keratoconus, treatments available at All About Eyez in Downey, CA, can help improve vision. For example, eyeglasses or contact lenses can correct vision problems caused by the disease. In some cases, you may also need surgery. If you think you may have keratoconus, it's important to see your eye doctor in Downey, CA, for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Keratoconus typically begins in adolescence or young adulthood. The condition can progress slowly, and symptoms may not be noticeable for years. In the early stages, keratoconus may cause mild blurry vision and sensitivity to light. As the disease progresses, the cornea becomes more misshapen. This can cause more severe symptoms, such as:

• Blurry vision
• Glare and halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye fatigue
• Headaches

In advanced cases of keratoconus, the cornea may become so misshapen that it causes the cornea to bulge out (called corneal ectasia). This can lead to severe vision problems and reduced vision.

Cause of Keratoconus

No one knows the exact cause of keratoconus. The condition is believed to be hereditary, so it often runs in families. It may also be caused by other factors, such as eye injuries, or certain medical conditions. The following are the main risk factors of keratoconus:

Inflammation

Inflammation and eye rubbing from allergies can cause eye injuries which weaken the cornea and lead to keratoconus.

Genetic Factors

Keratoconus often runs in families, so it's believed that genetics may play a role in the development of the condition.

Diagnosing Keratoconus

Keratoconus is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. During the eye exam, your eye doctor in Downey, CA, will use a unique instrument to measure the shape of your cornea. They may also use other tests to check your vision and rule out other conditions.

Keratoconus Management

There is no cure for keratoconus, but there are options available that can help improve vision. The goal of management is to slow the progression of the disease and improve your vision. In some cases, management may also prevent corneal ectasia.

The following are the main treatments for keratoconus:

• Eyeglasses 
• Special contact lenses such as scleral hard lenses
• Corneal collagen cross-linking
• Corneal Transplant

Visit Our Optometrist Today

If you think you may have keratoconus, it's essential to see an optometrist for diagnosis and management options. At All About Eyez in Downey, CA, our optometrists offer comprehensive eye exams and diagnosis and manage keratoconus. We offer various options to improve vision and slow the progression of the disease. Call us at (562) 869-3937 to schedule an appointment today or to learn more.