Cone-shaped vision: decoding keratoconus and modern fixes for better sight

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the front part of the eye, known as the cornea. To give you a clearer picture, imagine your cornea as a football-shaped, smooth surface at the front of your eye. In a healthy eye, this shape helps light focus correctly on the retina at the back of the eye, ensuring clear vision. However, in someone with keratoconus, this smooth, spherical shape becomes more conical, which can lead to distorted vision.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus happens when the cornea, normally rounded like a football, thins and bulges outwards into a cone shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurry or distorted vision. The cornea becomes weaker over time and can be more prone to damage, which can potentially lead to severe vision problems if left untreated.

What are the symptoms?

Individuals with keratoconus often notice several symptoms:

• Frequent changes in vision: You may find that your glasses or contact lens prescription changes frequently.
• Blurry or distorted vision: As the cornea becomes more irregular, your vision may become increasingly blurry or distorted.
• Difficulty with rigid contact lenses: Traditional contact lenses may not fit well or provide clear vision because they are designed for a spherical cornea, not a conical one.

These symptoms usually start in the teenage years or early twenties, when the condition tends to progress most rapidly.

What causes keratoconus?

The exact cause of keratoconus isn’t fully understood, but there are some known factors that can contribute to its development. One key factor is frequent eye rubbing. Rubbing your eyes may put extra pressure on the cornea, potentially worsening the condition. While not everyone who rubs their eyes develops keratoconus, avoiding this habit can help manage and potentially slow the progression of the disease.

Treatment options for keratoconus

Thankfully, we live in an era with advanced treatment options for keratoconus. The goal of treatment is to improve vision and manage the condition effectively to avoid more invasive procedures like corneal transplants. Here are some current treatment options:

1. Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): This procedure strengthens the cornea by applying a special solution and using ultraviolet light. This helps to stabilise the cornea and slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.
2. Corneal Ring Segments (also known as KeraRings): These tiny, semi-circular devices, made from natural corneal tissue, get inserted into the cornea. They reshape the cornea into a more spherical form, enhancing vision. Modern KeraRings, crafted from donor corneal tissue, deliver promising results with fewer complications than older synthetic versions.
3. Contact Lenses: Specially designed contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable lenses, can help to improve vision by creating a smoother surface on the cornea.
4. Corneal Transplant: In advanced cases where other treatments have not been successful, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea. Doctors usually consider it a last resort because of the risks and the potential need for repeated surgeries.

What to do if you suspect keratoconus

If you think you might have keratoconus, it’s essential to consult with an eye specialist who has experience with this condition. A qualified ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the best course of treatment based on your specific needs.

Finding the right clinician

When looking for a specialist, seek out ophthalmologists who have a lot of experience with keratoconus and perform a high volume of these procedures. Their expertise will ensure you receive the best care and the most effective treatment options.

Miss Tina Khanam is a highly respected consultant ophthalmologist with extensive expertise in treating a wide range of eye conditions. Based in the UK, she is known for her compassionate approach and dedication to delivering exceptional patient care. Miss Khanam specialises in blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the eyelids for both functional and cosmetic purposes.

Find the best keratoconus specialists in Ireland or search for the best specialists globally:

• Keratoconus specialists in the UK
• Keratoconus specialists in the United Arab Emirates
• Keratoconus specialists in Australia