Categories: Eye Care

Essential Things You Need to Know About Keratoconus

Keratoconus affects one in 2,000 individuals and symptoms usually begin during puberty. This eye condition compromises the structure of the cornea, which can result in vision loss. While eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct the issue in its early stages, patients may need a procedure called corneal crosslinking to restore sight as the condition progresses.  

Read on to learn all about this condition.

What Causes Keratoconus?

The cornea is the clear outer surface of the eye. Its thickest part is its middle layer, which mostly consists of water and collagen. Collagen keeps the cornea flexible and strong and helps it stay round in shape. A healthy cornea can focus light properly, allowing you to see clearly. However, in a person with keratoconus, the cornea thins and bulges into an irregular cone shape, causing vision loss. 

It’s still unclear what causes keratoconus, but some experts believe that the predisposition to develop the disease is present at birth. Collagen loss in the cornea is common in patients with keratoconus. This can be caused by an imbalance between corneal cells’ production and the destruction of the corneal tissue. 

What Are the Common Symptoms of This Eye Condition?

You may need to see your eye doctor more often if you have a family history of keratoconus. This eye condition is often diagnosed during the teenage years. Younger individuals with advanced keratoconus will likely need surgery as it progresses. Constant inflammation and chronic eye rubbing can also contribute to the development of this condition.

Usually, a minor blurring of vision or hard-to-correct poor vision is the earliest indication of keratoconus. Patients may experience trouble seeing at night, increased light sensitivity and sudden worsening of the vision. They may also see glares and halos around lights and suffer from headaches associated with eye pain. 

Regularly seeing your optometrist can help with the early detection and treatment of keratoconus. For your vision and eye care needs, Six One Six Vision Center is always here to help. Call us or text us at 208-514-1858 to set up an appointment. We serve patients in Eagle and Meridian, ID, and nearby communities. 

Dr. Ryan Huber

Recent Posts

8 Exercises to Relax Your Eyes and Prevent Eye Strain

In today's digitally driven world, eye strain has become a prevalent issue, particularly in the…

11 hours ago

What to Do If Your Kid Keeps Taking Off Their Glasses

As a parent, getting your child to wear their glasses consistently can be a challenge.…

1 week ago

How Your Optometrist Can Help Manage Seasonal Eye Allergies

Each season brings its own beauty, but seasonal eye allergies can also affect your daily…

2 weeks ago

4 Ways Our Vision Changes As We Age

As we go through life, our vision undergoes various changes, especially as we transition into…

1 month ago

Do Optometrists Treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a notable concern, especially among the aging population. As a…

2 months ago

Should I Take My Contact Lenses Out Before an Eye Exam?

When it comes to eye exams, patients often have questions about how to prepare, especially…

2 months ago