Eye Care Basics

Keratoconus

Causes
Keratoconus is a condition in which the normally symmetrical, round corneal surface becomes cone shaped. This change in shape distorts light entering the eye and causes blurred vision. Early symptoms usually appear between the late teens and late twenties and result in reduced or distorted distance vision.

Symptoms
Early symptoms of Keratoconus may include:

• blurred or distorted vision
• increased light sensitivity
• mild to severe nearsightedness and astigmatism

Diagnosis and Treatment
In the early stages of keratoconus, eyeglasses or contact lenses may be prescribed. Rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses may help correct vision as the disease progresses. In some cases where the cornea cannot be stabilized with contact lenses, a corneal transplant may be the treatment of choice.

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