Keratoconus is a condition of the eye that occurs when your cornea begins to thin. When this happens, your cornea cannot hold its round shape, and it bulges out into a cone shape. This condition causes impaired vision and other symptoms. The optometry professionals at Lavenburg Medical Group have years of experience treating keratoconus and offer several treatment options.
Keratoconus Risk Factors
Studies have shown that this condition can run in the family. If a member of your immediate family suffers from this condition, there is a chance that you will develop it as well. The other risk factors for this condition include:
- Frequent, vigorous rubbing of the eyes
- Medical conditions, including hay fever, Downs syndrome, asthma, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Symptoms
This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, and it is not uncommon for the symptoms to change as the disease progresses. These include:
- Blurry vision
- Distorted vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Trouble driving at night
- Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
- Clouded vision
- Sudden worsening of vision
Diagnosing Keratoconus
Keratoconus can be diagnosed during an annual eye exam. During a typical eye exam, our optometrist will perform eye refraction and a slit-lamp exam. If they see any signs of keratoconus, your eye doctor will perform the following further tests:
- Keratometry: During this test, our eye doctor will focus a circle of light on your cornea to determine the basic shape of your cornea.
- Computerized corneal mapping: This is a photographic test that can detect keratoconus in the early stages.
Treating Keratoconus
The treatment that our eye doctor will select depends on the severity of the condition and how rapidly it is progressing. There are two goals in treating this condition. The first is to slow the progression of the disease, and the second is to improve your vision. Treatment options include:
- Eyeglasses: If the shape of your cornea is stable, eyeglasses or soft contacts can help improve your vision.
- Hard contact lenses: These contacts are prescribed for more advanced keratoconus. The lenses are rigid and can help hold the round shape of your cornea while correcting your vision.
- Hybrid lenses: Hybrid lenses are an option if you cannot get used to hard lenses. These lenses are rigid in the center and have a soft outer ring which makes them more comfortable.
- Scleral lenses: These lenses are prescribed for advanced keratoconus. Unlike typical lenses that rest on the cornea, these lenses rest on the white of your eye and vault over your cornea. They can correct your vision even though your cornea is misshapen.
Contact Our Optometrist for Keratoconus Treatment in Newark, Elkton,
If you are experiencing the symptoms of keratoconus, the ophthalmology professionals at Lavenburg Medical Group are ready to assist you. We treat patients in Newark DE, and Elkton MD, and will provide treatment based on the severity of your condition. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (302) 993-0722.