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Keratoconus
In keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped.
Keratoconus literally means a cone-shaped cornea. This shape
prevents light from focusing in the eye properly. As the
disease progresses the cone becomes more pronounced, causing
vision to become blurred and distorted. Because of the cornea's
irregular shape, patients with keratoconus are usually very
nearsighted and have a high degree of astigmatism that is
not correctable with glasses.
Despite continuing research, the cause of keratoconus remains
unknown. Although keratoconus is not generally considered
an inherited disorder, the chance of a blood relative having
keratoconus is thought to be as high as one in 10.
Vigorous eye rubbing, although not the cause of keratoconus,
can contribute to the disease process. Therefore, patients
with keratoconus are advised to avoid rubbing their eyes.
In addition to nearsightedness and astigmatism, signs and
symptoms include blurred vision even while wearing glasses
or contact lenses and light sensitivity.
Keratoconus is usually diagnosed in patients as young as
their 20's. For some, it may advance over several decades,
for others, the progression may reach a certain point and
stop. Tests can provide your eye doctor with details about
the cornea's shape and is used to detect and monitor the
progression of the disease.
Treatment
The first line of treatment for patients is to fit rigid
gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Because this type of
contact is not flexible, it creates a smooth, evenly shaped
surface to see through. When vision deteriorates to the
point that contact lenses no longer provide satisfactory
vision, corneal transplant may be necessary to replace the
diseased cornea with a healthy one. If corneal transplant
is necessary for advanced keratoconus, vision usually improves,
although specialty contact lenses are needed in conjunction
with the transplant for this success. As in any eye surgery,
complications such as transplant rejection, infection and
loss of vision can occur, so results cannot be guaranteed.
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