Keratoconus is one of the problems that develops over time unless the person undergoes appropriate treatment. Genetic factors may also increase the likelihood of developing it. What are the possible causes that lead to it, and how can it be detected and treated?

What is keratoconus?

The cornea of ​​the eye, which is the transparent outer surface of the eye, is characterized by an attractive circular shape, maintained by various tensile forces, but a group of reasons play a major role in its change and transformation into a cone shape over time, and this problem affects the health of vision in two ways, which are: 

• When the cornea changes to a cone shape, it causes what is known as astigmatism, which usually requires more advanced treatment than eyeglasses to correct vision.
• If there is a slight steepening of the cornea, it causes poor vision, which is usually treated with prescription glasses. 

The ophthalmologist discovers this problem during adolescence, between the ages of 20-30 years, but keratoconus may also occur in children, and requires a visit to a specialist doctor to conduct examinations, find out the causes of the problem, and develop an appropriate treatment program.

What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

Many patients do not initially realize that they suffer from keratoconus due to the lack of clear symptoms, but over time a group of symptoms appear, including: 

• Slight or gradual blurring of vision
• Sensitivity to bright lights, with glare around them.
• Frequent changes in eyeglass size. 
• Difficulty seeing at night, or due to poor lighting.
• Redness and inflammation of the eye.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, please consult a doctor to find out the cause of the problem, and solve it in the appropriate way.

What are the causes of keratoconus?

A lot of research and studies are being conducted to try to uncover the causes of keratoconus and understand the mechanism of its occurrence, but many details are still mysterious, but collagen deficiency is one of the possible causes. 

Doctors point to a group of risk factors that increase the likelihood of the problem occurring, including: 

• Genetic factors: If there is a family history of keratoconus, the probability of the problem occurring in family members increases.
• Eye allergy.
• Rub the eye vigorously and continuously. 
• asthma.
• Down syndrome. 

What is the relationship between keratoconus and LASIK?

LASIK may not be recommended for patients with keratoconus in most cases, since the disease reduces the thickness of the cornea, and thus the procedure is difficult to perform, to avoid potential risks that may lead to vision loss.

What are the stages of development of keratoconus?

The development of keratoconus usually occurs between the ages of 45-50 years, through 4 stages, which are as follows: 

• First stage: It causes a slight deviation in the shape of the cornea that does not cause any significant problems other than a slight impact on the quality of vision. At this stage, eyeglasses are usually an ideal solution, in addition to medical contact lenses. 
• Second stage: Corneal distortion increases, the quality of vision deteriorates, and the need to change the size of prescription glasses.
  Contact lenses are the appropriate option for people who are athletes and do not want to wear eyeglasses, although they are an alternative and safe option to avoid the possibility of infection.
• The third stage: Eye deformity appears due to keratoconus. The doctor needs to discuss the treatment alternatives available for the condition, especially in light of the inappropriateness of different types of lenses. 
• Stage 4: There is a significant distortion in the shape of the cornea, and therefore contact lenses or prescription glasses may not be the appropriate treatment option. Rather, the person needs surgery.

Book your consultation now with Eye Center At Al-Mousa Specialized Hospital

What are the methods of treating keratoconus?

The treatment method for keratoconus varies from one case to another based on the severity of the symptoms and the date of discovery of the disease. The most prominent methods used are: 

• Prescription glasses: It is used to correct minor deviations in vision, and is usually an appropriate option in the early stages. 
• Special contact lenses: There is a special group of contact lenses used in cases of keratoconus, specifically in the intermediate stages, in order to control the problem and prevent its worsening, avoiding the surgical option. 
• Surgery: The surgical option is divided into two stages, one of which is in the middle stages of the disease, and aims to flatten the cornea slightly to ensure improved quality of vision. The second type of surgery includes a corneal transplant and is an ideal option in advanced cases. 
• Other treatments: The doctor may use a group of auxiliary abilities that work to flatten the cornea, strengthen it, and prevent its swelling in order to improve vision, in addition to ultraviolet rays, and other therapeutic methods. 

In conclusion, despite the small number of people suffering from keratoconus in the world, it remains one of the eye problems that affects the quality of vision and prevents a person from performing his daily tasks normally. Neglecting its treatment may ultimately lead to serious complications, so we advise you to perform a periodic examination once every 6 months to ensure early detection of various health problems and develop the appropriate treatment program.

FAQs

Can keratoconus be cured?

Keratoconus cannot be completely cured, but it is a condition that can be controlled and treated effectively according to its stage of development. In the early stages, eyeglasses or rigid contact lenses can be used to improve vision, while in moderate and advanced cases, a keratoconus procedure with ultraviolet rays is used to strengthen the corneal tissue and prevent its deterioration. In severe cases, a corneal transplant is necessary. Therefore, early diagnosis as well as regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist are very important to preserve vision and reduce complications.

Is keratoconus a serious disease?

Keratoconus is not a serious, life-threatening disease, but it is a condition that greatly affects the quality of vision if diagnosis and treatment are not done in a timely manner. It causes the cornea to thin and change its shape to a conical shape, which leads to blurred vision and the appearance of increasing optical aberrations over time. In advanced stages, vision may become very weak and not easily corrected with glasses or lenses, which requires more complex medical procedures such as stabilization or corneal transplantation. This is a condition that requires early follow-up and treatment to avoid complications and permanent vision loss.

How do I know if my eye has keratoconus?

You may suspect keratoconus if you suffer from a gradual deterioration in vision, especially if prescription glasses have become ineffective in improving vision, or you notice frequent changes in the glasses' light measurements and halos or glare around lights, especially at night. You may also feel uncomfortable when wearing contact lenses, and to confirm the condition, it is important to visit an ophthalmologist, who in turn will conduct a careful examination of the cornea using various techniques, such as imaging the topography of the cornea to determine the extent of its convexity and to accurately diagnose the condition.

Medical references 

What is keratoconus – clevelandclinic

Keratoconus – mayoclinic