What Is Keratoconus?

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A Layman’s Guide To Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a degenerative ocular disease where deterioration of the cornea causes thinning, brittleness, and a conical shape. As a result of this distortion in shape, light is unable to properly reach the retina, leading to impaired vision. In some cases, it leads to irregular astigmatism, as a result of two ocular curvatures.

Although there is no cure, there are several treatment options available, including various types of prescription contact lenses, a cross-linking procedure, surgical Intacs, and in severe cases, corneal transplant surgery.

Over the course of a patient’s life, some or all of these corrective measures may be implemented as the condition advances. Fortunately, with proper medical intervention, the risk of blindness is minimal. Nevertheless, as with all ocular disorders, appropriate care is critical to treat this condition and prevent deterioration. A comprehensive exam will enable the optometrist to make a diagnosis.

What Causes Progressive Keratoconus?

Although there is no definitive evidence of causation, studies strongly suggest that there may be a hereditary and genetic predisposition to this disorder:

Family history
There is evidence of comorbidity with Down’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hay fever, congenital amaurosis, and asthma
Aggressive eye-rubbing with the knuckles may be injurious.
Environmental factors such as climate may lead to eye-dryness and subsequent rubbing.

Signs of Keratoconus

As with many ocular disorders, signs present slowly and are hard to detect. Periodic comprehensive exams are critical for assessing vision changes, and monitoring and detecting progression of this ocular disease. Optometrists are able to identify indicators that go undetected by a layperson. The following signs may indicate the onset of this condition or other ocular disorder. Initial symptoms include:

distorted or blurry vision
sensitivity to bright light and glare.

One of the difficulties with this condition is that early signs can remain the same for years. During the earliest manifestation, interventions may include standard corrective lenses. Swelling is rare.

Later interventions include permeable contacts, options for collagen cross-linking procedures to prevent further alteration, Intac insertions, and in severe cases, a cornea transplant.

Diagnosing Keratoconus

Diagnosing a patient requires comprehensive testing using the following diagnostic tools:

Corneal-mapping: This procedure enables a 3D representation and eye mapping.
Slit-lamp: This device enables a comprehensive look at the internal ocular structures.
Refraction tests: These permit an assessment of visual strength.
Keratometry: A test to measure corneal shape using reflection from a special light.

Treatments for Keratoconus

There are various options. As progression continues, treatment may include all or some of these options:

Contact lenses

Soft contacts: These standard lenses which provide increased comfort, may only be suitable for early cases of this disorder.
Hard contacts: As the disorder advances hard lenses are sometimes required. Although they may be uncomfortable, they provide impressive gains in vision.
Advanced options: Hybrid types lenses combine the comfort of a soft lens with gas permeability. “Piggy-back” types refer to the technique where a type of lens is placed over another one to blend the functions of the two.
Scleral lenses: When the condition advances and the corneal damage is severe, these are used to rest on the sclera, creating a new ocular surface.

Collagen cross-linking: In this procedure, measures are taken to prevent further alterations. It is accomplished with riboflavin eye-drops and ultraviolet light. 33.3350
Intacs: A procedure where semicircular plastic rings are inserted to strengthen the 80cornea and prevent further alteration.

Cornea transplant: In advanced cases where contacts and glasses are no longer effective, a transplant may be necessary to replace damaged tissue. Frequently, contacts or glasses will be necessary post-surgery. Scleral lenses act as a new ocular surface when scarring or damage is extant. While surgeries are usually successful, risks include possible (albeit unlikely) rejection of tissue and infections. Post-surgical maintenance will monitor and treat these conditions, should they present.

Summary

Keratoconus is a degenerative, progressive, ocular disease where the cornea becomes thin, brittle, and cone-shaped, leading to distorted and blurred vision, and in some instances, irregular astigmatism. While there are no cures, there are effective interventions to treat the disorder and slow progression. With proper medical intervention, there is minimal risk of blindness.

Keratoconus management is critical because alterations in treatment plans will become necessary as the eye changes shape. Contact Amplify Eyecare today to find out more about this and other ocular disorders and to schedule a comprehensive exam if you haven't had one recently. You can schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our eye doctor by calling (212) 752-6930. With proper intervention, there are many options to slow down the progression of the disease and improve vision. Patients searching for advanced treatment for keratoconus visit our clinic from all over New York, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.

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Have You Been Diagnosed With Keratoconus? Hear Other People's Personal Experiences

The following article features the personal reactions of people who have been diagnosed with keratoconus, and their experiences in finding the proper treatment.

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Testimonials

At Amplify with Dr Wernick I was seeking help for seemingly intractable, probably age-related dryness. I've seen other doctors about it, and that has been helpful, but what he explained to me about it and the careful way he answered all my questions gave me so much more of a clear understanding of what is going on (and is not) that I am more able to implement all his and others' recommendations than I was before. And he gave me additional resources for further follow-up. I am most grateful.

Cynthia Norton

Wow! This is a great Eye Care medical facility. I was thoroughly examined by Dr. Pinkhasov for over 2 hours. She made sure to check my eyes for pretty much everything and patiently explained proper care for my eyes. They definitely know how to provide great care and treat their patients right. Now I know why they have such a great reputation and been around for so long.

Steve Fay

Dr. Kavner is a gifted diagnostician and orthoptic therapist. He treated me several decades ago for a condition similar to dyslexia. I was having migraines five times per week. I worked with him for about a year and I experienced tremendous improvement (down to 3-4 per year) that has lasted.

Mary K.

Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!

Peter G.

Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!

Kinkie F.

I have always found Dr Kavner's work, expertise and wisdom of the highest caliber. As one of the fathers of OT, occupational othomology, his depth and breadth of knowledge about the eyes' health and wellbeing of the patient is exemplary. Cannot say enough good things about him.