Frequently Asked Questions about Keratoconus

Having your vision grow blurrier and blurrier can be not only frustrating and frightening but also confusing. You may have a condition you've never even heard of, like keratoconus. Here are some frequently asked questions about keratoconus from Clinton Eye Associates in Clinton, CT.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a corneal problem in which the cornea loses its usual spherical shape and starts to bulge outward into a more cone-like shape. This alters the way incoming light is refracted by the eye, making clear vision impossible.

How Does Corneal Deformation Affect Vision?

The corneal deformation caused by keratoconus usually causes a combination of astigmatism (because of the irregular corneal contours) and myopia (because the cornea has become elongated). These refractive errors can grow worse over time.

Why Does Keratoconus Occur?

The main issue that causes keratoconus is a weakness in the collagen that normally supports the corneal tissue. This weakness may be inherited, or it may be associated with surgeries, injuries (even eye rubbing), and/or oxidative damage.

Can Keratoconus Create Complications?

In some cases, keratoconus reaches the point where the corneal tissue splits, causing swelling and scarring that make your vision suddenly, noticeably worse.

How Do You Detect a Case of Keratoconus?

Our comprehensive eye exams include refractive testing that reveals how your cornea is directing incoming light to the retina. We can map your corneal contours to measure the corneal deformation while checking your vision for astigmatism and myopia.

Can Corrective Lenses Compensate for Keratoconus?

Only the mildest cases of keratoconus respond well to eyeglasses. You're likely to get better results from contact lenses. It's worth noting, however, that ordinary soft contacts can't usually correct for the corneal deformations of keratoconus.

What Kinds of Contact Lenses Do You Recommend for Keratoconus?

Rigid gas-permeable contacts work well for keratoconus because they don't conform to the cornea's shape. Instead, they maintain their consistent curvature. We can also "piggyback" hard lenses on top of soft lenses. Ortho-k lenses correct your cornea's shape as you sleep, allowing for normal daytime vision. More severe keratoconus can also be corrected by scleral lenses. These lenses cover the entire cornea without resting on it at all.

What Are My Options if Corrective Lenses Aren't Sufficient?

If you can't get satisfactory results from contact lenses, we may refer you to options such as corneal cross-linking or Intacs, both of which lend extra support to the corneas. Corneal transplantation is another effective treatment method.

Visit Us for More Information

Call Clinton Eye Associates in Clinton, CT, today at (860) 669-2020 for more information on keratoconus or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor.