Keratoconus

What's going on?

This is a progressive condition whereby the cornea loses its spherical shape and gradually develops a central protrusion, forming a cone. The cornea should be nice and spherical or rugby ball shaped in order to focus the light accurately on the retina and allow you to see clearly. Gradually the cornea becomes distorted resulting in significant astigmatism as the focusing function of the cornea is disrupted. Initially, this astigmatism can be corrected by spectacles, but as it worsens you will need a contact lens to achieve adequate vision. If the corneal warping becomes too advanced, corneal grafting surgery may be required. It is a bilateral condition but can be markedly asymmetrical in severity.

What will my ophthalmologist see?

We can usually see changes in the cornea if they are marked however sometimes only a surface scan using a special imaging device can make the diagnosis.

What will my ophthalmologist do for me?

Initially, contact lenses will be prescribed but corneal grafting surgery may be needed.

What do I need to know?

It is important not to rub the eyes because this will make the condition worse. This diagnosis is means that you definitely cannot have laser refractive surgery.

Rarely, the progressive changes in the cornea weaken the inner cell layer of the cornea. This layer can rarely weaken and rupture resulting in sudden visual blurring and pain. The central cornea will be cloudy and your vision can go down. This will get better but will probably leave some scarring behind.