Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea. The cornea is a vital part of the eye responsible for focusing and protecting the inner eye. In some cases, the cornea may fail to develop properly. 

 

It may be thinner than usual or misshapen, bulging outwards. This is the condition known as keratoconus. It is possible to have had the condition for a long time without knowing it. There are some ways to know if you have keratoconus. 

 

Increasing Myopia and Astigmatism

If you experience progressively increasing myopia and astigmatism, it can be a sign that you have keratoconus. This is especially the case if the astigmatism is becoming more severe or is higher than myopia. 

 

If this happens and someone in your family has the condition, you need to get an eye exam. A corneal astigmatism assessment will help determine if you are a candidate for keratoconus.

 

Changing Your Eyeglass Prescription 

If your current eyeglass prescription is not correcting your vision effectively, you need to talk to an eye doctor. You may be experiencing blurred vision, glare, shadowing, and other issues even while wearing your glasses. 

 

You may also have vision doubling even when one eye is closed. If this happens, an eye care professional can prescribe specialty contact lenses. The lenses help correct the changes caused by the keratoconus or to slow the progression of the disease.

 

Is Keratoconus in Your Family?

Keratoconus is a condition that a parent can pass down to their children. This means that if someone in your family has it, you have a high likelihood of developing the condition. It is a good idea to find out your family history concerning eye diseases. 

 

If keratoconus is in your family, you need a doctor to check your cornea. If you are a parent with keratoconus, you need to get your children screened for the disease. This is especially important if they show signs of myopia and astigmatism.

 

You Have a Systemic Condition

Studies have shown that keratoconus has a relationship with systemic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Down syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, and osteogenesis imperfecta. If you have one of the conditions, you need to have your cornea assessed. 

 

Patients who have systemic conditions have a high likelihood of presenting with keratoconus. Regular eye examinations will help determine if you have a corneal disorder. 

 

A Cone-Shaped Cornea

Some people with keratoconus have an observable “cone-shaped” cornea. In severe cases, the change in the shape of the cornea can be clear with the naked eye. During the early stages, you may not notice any changes. If you discover a bulge in the cornea, it means that the keratoconus is in the advanced stages. The eye may also appear to be milky-translucent. If not treated, it can progress to blindness. 

 

It is vital to get keratoconus treatment while the disease is still in the early stages. Other symptoms of the condition are itchy eyes, vision changes in one eye, and blurry vision. The disease progresses over time, and early diagnosis is vital. 


 

To find out if you have keratoconus, contact Clarity Vision in Apex, North Carolina at (919) 367-2832 today to schedule an appointment.