Keratoconus

Keratoconus, pronounced - KEHR-a-toh-kohn-nus, is a slow progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, usually affecting both eyes, beginning between ages 10 and 25. The result is significant vision impairment. The irregular cone-like (or bulge) shape of the cornea causes irregular astigmatism, or distorted vision, where glasses are not adequate to achieve functional vision. The cause of keratoconus is unknown.

Keratoconus Treatment Continuum

The distorted cone-like shape of the cornea causes major changes in the refractive characteristics of the cornea (irregular astigmatism) that cannot be fully corrected with glasses. For this reason, contact lenses are usually the best first option for treating early keratoconus when eyeglasses are not satisfactory. As keratoconus progresses, speciality hard/gas-permeable contact lenses may be necessary and may provides adequate vision. If keratoconus progresses to where contact lenses can no longer provide functional vision due to poor fit or discomfort (contact lens intolerance), Intacs corneal implants may provide the best option prior to considering a corneal transplant. If keratoconus has progressed to a severe stage, corneal transplant surgery may be necessary. Both Intacs and corneal transplants may still require contact lenses or glasses to achieve best functional vision.

Learn about contact lenses, Intacs corneal implants and corneal transplants.