The cornea is the clear dome at the front of the eye. In keratoconus, it gradually thins and bulges forward into a cone shape, distorting vision.
Signs to watch for
- Glasses power, especially astigmatism, changing frequently
- Blurred or distorted vision that glasses do not fully correct
- Ghosting or multiple images, glare and halos at night
- Increased light sensitivity
Who is at risk
- Teenagers and young adults
- People who rub their eyes a lot, often because of allergies
- A family history of keratoconus
Diagnosis
A corneal topography scan maps the shape and thickness of the cornea. It can detect keratoconus early, before major vision changes.
Treatment
- Stop eye rubbing and treat any allergy
- Corneal cross-linking, which uses vitamin B2 drops and ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea and halt progression
- Glasses or soft lenses in early stages
- Rigid, hybrid or scleral contact lenses for clearer vision in later stages
- Corneal transplant in advanced cases, which is now needed less often thanks to early cross-linking
If your child’s glasses power keeps changing every few months, ask your eye doctor about a corneal scan.
Frequently asked questions
Is keratoconus curable?
It cannot be reversed, but cross-linking can stop it from getting worse, and lenses can restore good vision for most people.
Can I have LASIK with keratoconus?
No. LASIK can weaken the cornea further. Other options exist, which your doctor will discuss.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.