Keratoconus: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Are you experiencing a rapid change in your prescription numbers? There are several problems like diabetes and retinal problems that can cause your prescription numbers to change quite rapidly. It’s quite a possibility that there may be some problem with your cornea. A cornea is like a ball-shaped outer lens that acts as the windshield of the eye. Any problem with cornea can distort your vision. When the cornea bulges outward like a cone, the condition is called keratoconus. The condition can cause moderate to severe blurred vision and other problems.  Having an eye checkup is a good idea to zero in on the issue that is causing the problem.

Consult with the best eye doctors in Kolkata to keep vision problems at bay

If you notice a change in your vision, contact your an eye specialist immediately. Consult the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals for the comprehensive care of your eyes and visual system. Visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us to schedule an appointment.

Keratoconus is an eye disease that occurs when the cornea bugles outwards. The round shaped cornea takes the shape of a cone-like shape which causes the light to deflect. This condition is generally observed in young people, teenagers or those who are in their early 20s. The condition can affect one or both eyes. It causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism to develop. In simple words, this means a person with keratoconus experiences changes in their eyeglass prescription quite frequently. And, this is often accompanied by distorted and blurred vision.

Keratoconus Causes, symptoms and treatment

Symptoms:-

  • Double vision
  • Slight blurring
  • Distortion of vision making reading, driving and other tasks difficult
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Sudden change in prescription numbers
  • Bright lights appear to have halos around them

Causes:-

Though the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, it is thought that there are several genetic and environmental factors that may be linked with the condition.

Risk factors:-

Here are a few factors that may increase your chances of developing keratoconus:

  • A family history of the condition
  • Rubbing your eyes with too much force
  • Keratoconus is significantly more prevalent in young people with conditions
  • like Down syndrome and other conditions.

Treatment:-

1. Eyeglasses and contact lenses: Initially, eyeglasses may be recommended to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism that is caused by keratoconus. If the eyeglasses fail to provide adequate vision, soft contact lenses may be recommended. Usually, new eyeglasses make the vision clear again. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses may be recommended in case the condition progresses.

2.Corneal cross-linking: This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure aimed at placing implants under the surface of the cornea to prevent them from bulging forward.

3.Cornea transplant: In very severe cases of keratoconus, corneal transplant surgery may be recommended. When the cornea becomes very thin or the irregular shape of the cornea is making it difficult for lenses to be fitted, a doctor may suggest transplant, in which a healthy donor tissue will replace the affected cornea tissue.

Our doctors, at Disha Eye Hospitals, make sure that you and your family members receive the best eye care possible. We are among the leading hospitals to provide cataract surgery in Kolkata. Learn more about the eye hospital at http://www.dishaeye.org/history.