Michigan Contact Lens | Keratoconus

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What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye. In keratoconus, the cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. This condition typically begins in the teenage years or early 20s and can worsen over time if not managed properly. Left untreated, keratoconus can severely impact vision and quality of life.

Causes of Keratoconus

The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors. Some possible causes include:

  1. Genetics: A family history of keratoconus increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
  2. Eye Rubbing: Chronic eye rubbing can weaken the corneal structure.
  3. Collagen Abnormalities: Weakening of the corneal tissue due to a deficiency in collagen or oxidative damage contributes to keratoconus.

Risk Factors for Keratoconus

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing keratoconus, including:

  1. Genetic Predisposition: Having a parent or sibling with keratoconus.
  2. Chronic Eye Rubbing: Often associated with allergies or irritants.
  3. Medical Conditions: Conditions like Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or connective tissue disorders.
  4. Environmental Factors: Excessive exposure to UV rays or eye irritants.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Symptoms of keratoconus vary depending on the stage of the condition but may include:

  • Blurred or distorted vision.
  • Increased sensitivity to light and glare.
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
  • Difficulty seeing at night.
  • Double vision or multiple images in one eye (monocular diplopia).

These symptoms often start mild and progressively worsen as the cornea becomes more irregular in shape.

Diagnosis of Keratoconus

Keratoconus can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

  1. Corneal Topography: A detailed map of the cornea to identify irregularities.
  2. Slit-Lamp Examination: To observe thinning and other corneal changes.
  3. Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea.
  4. Keratometry: Determines the curvature of the cornea.

Early detection is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Treatment for Keratoconus

Treatment options for keratoconus depend on the stage of the condition:

a) Early Stages

In the early stages, symptoms are mild and can often be managed with:

  • Glasses or Soft Contact Lenses: To correct vision.
  • Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Provide better vision by creating a smooth refractive surface.
  • Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): A procedure that strengthens the cornea to prevent further progression.

b) Intermediate Stages

As keratoconus progresses, more advanced treatments may be necessary:

  • Specialized Contact Lenses:
    • Scleral Lenses: Vault over the cornea to provide clear vision.
    • Hybrid Lenses: Combine the comfort of soft lenses with the clarity of RGP lenses.
  • Intacs (Corneal Implants): Small crescent-shaped implants inserted into the cornea to flatten its shape and improve vision.

c) Advanced Stages

In advanced cases, when the cornea becomes significantly scarred or thin, surgical intervention may be required:

  • Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty): Partial or full-thickness corneal transplant to restore vision.
  • Prosthetic Contact Lenses: Used for patients who cannot undergo surgery or need additional visual correction after a transplant.
Consultation for Corneal Collagen Crosslinking

Scleral Lenses Solution for Keratoconus

At Michigan Contact Lens, our optometrists often recommend scleral lenses for individuals with keratoconus. These lenses rest on the sclera, bypassing the irregular cornea, and are filled with sterile saline to enhance comfort and vision. Scleral lenses provide the clarity of gas-permeable lenses with the comfort of soft lenses, ensuring stability and minimal movement during blinks. This makes them a superior option for managing keratoconus compared to traditional lenses.

Scleral lenses used for keratoconus
Please call our eye specialists near you for more Keratoconus information.

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