Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea gradually becomes thinner and more cone-shaped. This can cause irregular astigmatism, blurred or distorted vision, double vision, light sensitivity, and poor night vision. It often begins in the teenage years or early adulthood, so early diagnosis and monitoring are important
When keratoconus treatment may be considered
- Increasing astigmatism or frequent prescription changes
- Distorted vision that is not fully corrected with glasses
- Family history or previous diagnosis of keratoconus
- Patients who frequently rub their eyes, especially with allergy symptoms
Visit notes
- Corneal topography or tomography is important for diagnosis and monitoring
- Early stages may be managed with glasses or soft lenses; more advanced cases may need rigid or scleral lenses
- Corneal cross-linking may be considered when the condition is progressing
- Selected patients may need intracorneal ring segments, lens implantation, or corneal transplant
Common patient questions about keratoconus
What is keratoconus, and when does it need treatment?
Keratoconus is progressive thinning and irregular shaping of the cornea. Treatment becomes more important when the condition is progressing, glasses no longer provide useful vision, or corneal imaging shows a risk of further deterioration.