Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that silently affects millions worldwide, affecting your cornea and distorting your vision. Characterized by thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape, Keratoconus eye disease is believed to often strike during the teenage years. It can progressively worsen until it is diagnosed.
It is important to diagnose keratoconus at its early stage to save vision. Early symptoms from which it can be diagnosed are slight blurriness, increased light sensitivity, and frequent changes in eye prescription.
The older this disease gets, the more difficult it becomes to cover its loss. If left untreated, Keratoconus eye disease can rob individuals of their visual clarity, leading to severe vision loss and ultimately leading to the need for corneal transplant surgery. In this article, we’ll delve into 5 critical symptoms of Keratoconus, and explore its causes and treatment options.
What is Keratoconus eye disease?
Keratoconus affects the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eyes which refracts or bends light to focus images on the retina. In Keratoconus eye disease the cornea’s structure weakens causing it to thin and bulge outward in a cone-like shape. Its smooth surface becomes irregular, disrupting the normal curvature and refractive power. This distortion of the cornea:
- Scatters light causing blurry vision
- Increases sensitivity to light
- Affects focus and visual clarity
- Impacts daily activities, such as reading, driving, playing, or watching TV
Keratoconus eye disease is found in 1 out of 200 people worldwide. Both teenagers and young adults are affected by this disease whereas females are more likely to develop the disease. Individuals with a family history or certain medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing keratoconus. This is why understanding this disease is essential for its early detection.
Stages of Keratoconus
Keratoconus eye disease passes through several stages, each with distinct characteristics and treatment options. Knowledge of these stages helps you to be aware of your current condition and develop effective management plans. stages of keratoconus are as follows:
- Mild keratoconus: Beginning of corneal thinning with mild vision impairment. It is correctable with glasses or soft contact lenses.
- Moderate keratoconus: Corneal thinning progresses (10-20% thickness reduction) with increased visual impairment. Correctable with RGP contact lenses or hybrid lenses.
- Advanced keratoconus: 20-40% thickness reduction that indicates significant corneal thinning with substantial vision loss. Prescription becomes necessary.
- Severe keratoconus: Extreme corneal thinning with severe vision loss. Corneal transplantation may be required.
5 Important Symptoms of Keratoconus:
Recognizing early signs of Keratoconus is crucial for timely detection and effective treatment. Here are 5 important symptoms of Keratoconus eye disease that can help you and its early identification:
1. Blurred Vision:
Keratoconus often begins with blurriness, which can worsen over time. You may experience:
- Difficulty reading for watching TV
- Double vision
- Eye strain or fatigue
2. Increased Sensitivity to Light:
Another symptom of Keratoconus is photophobia, for increased sensitivity to light which can lead to:
- Discomfort in a bright environment
- Squinting or shielding eyes in bright light
- difficulty seeing or driving at night
3. Frequent Changes in Eye Prescription:
As Keratoconus progresses, You may notice rapid changes in your eye prescription, such as:
- Frequent adjustments to prescribed glasses or contact lenses
- Difficulty achieving clear vision with corrective lenses with the passage of time
4. Double Vision or Ghosting:
Keratoconus eye disease can also cause double vision or ghosting which
- Images appeared distorted
- Eye strain that worsens with prolonged visual tasks
- Difficulty judging distances or spatial relationships
5. Eye Strain and Fatigue:
Eye strain and ocular fatigue are also a major symptom of keratoconus eye disease. It is characterised by:
- Dry irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Eye discomfort
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it might be a potential sign that you are suffering from keratoconus consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation immediately.
Causes and Risk Factors of Keratoconus
Though the exact cause of Keratoconus is still unknown, research and studies have identified several contributing factors and potential risk factors for the development of this disease.
Potential Causes of keratoconus eye disease:
- Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a significant role, in elevating the risk of keratoconus.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to UV radiation, allergies, and hormonal changes.
- Corneal Structure: Abnormalities in the corneal shape, thickness, or collagen structure leading to keratoconus.
- Eye Rubbing: Frequent eye rubbing may contribute to keratoconus progression.
- Hormonal Changes: hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause may also cause keratoconus.
Risk Factors:
Some of the potential risk factors involved in keratoconus development are:
- Age (10-30 years more likely)
- Family history ( a family member with this disease)
- Certain medical conditions (such as Down syndrome, asthma, etc.)
- Previous eye injuries or surgery (trauma or surgical complications)
A thorough understanding of causes and risk factors can help identify individuals at higher risk leading to better treatment.
Treatment Options for Keratoconus:
Depending on the stage and severity of the disease, various keratoconus Treatment options are available to manage it and preserve vision.
Non-Surgical Options for keratoconus eye disease:
- For mild keratoconus, corrective lenses or glasses can improve vision.
- Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) contact lenses are used for moderate or intermediate keratoconus. It provides a smooth surface for the cornea.
- Hybrid Contact Lenses are made from a combination of soft and rigid materials for improved comfort and vision in keratoconus eye disease.
- Lastly, a minimally invasive procedure is used to strengthen corneal tissue.
Surgical Options for Severe Condition:
- Corneal transplantation replaces damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue.
- DALK (deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty) removes the damaged outer corneal layer.
- ICRS (intracorneal ring segments) involves the insertion of a ring-shaped device to flatten the cornea to fix vision.
Treatment options are selected by eye specialists and ophthalmologists after carefully considering various factors such as age and overall health, disease severity and progression, and lifestyle and daily activities. This way eye care professionals work together to determine the best treatment plan to ensure;
- Regular monitoring
- Adjustments to treatment
- Optimal vision correction Regular eye exams and screening:
- Annually: if you have risk factors
- Biannually: If you have mild keratoconus
- Every 3-6 months: For advanced keratoconus
This will help in regular monitoring and efficient treatment of this condition. The following tips help avoid keratoconus progression:
- Maintain good eye hygiene
- Avoid excessive eye-rubbing
- Wear protective eyewear
Conclusion:
Keratoconus eye disease can be challenging, but with the right treatment and care, you can manage it to protect your vision and lead a normal life. Regular monitoring is the key as
early intervention can slow its progression and preserve eyesight. Join hands with EDO EYE HOSPITAL to eradicate preventable blindness and safeguard the future of your loved ones.