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General
Keratoconus is an eye disorder that causes progressive thinning and cone shaping of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil). It usually involves both eyes and eventually leads to visual impairment. It is believed to occur as a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
79 people with Keratoconus (KC)
Learn from others who are experiencing Keratoconus (KC).
Signs & symptoms
Keratoconus causes vision impairment that can manifest as blurry vision, double vision, myopia (nearsightedness), light sensitivity and more.
Diagnosis
Your ophthalmologist can diagnose keratoconus using a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your doctor will check your visual acuity and the curvature of your cornea. If irregular astigmatism is found, suggesting a possibility of keratoconus, the doctor will use special instruments to detect keratoconus. *Corneal topography*, a non-invasive medical imaging used for mapping the surface curvature of the cornea, is sometimes used to further evaluate the degree of keratoconus.
Treatment
In early stages of keratoconus, the use of glasses or contact lenses is usually sufficient. If the keratoconus is progressive, a procedure called collagen cross-linking is usually recommended. During this procedure, the doctor uses riboflavin drops, ultraviolet light, and a photosensitizer to reinforce the bonds in the cornea and prevent further deterioration. In severe cases, corneal transplantation is needed.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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