Keratoconus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that affects the shape of the cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. In this blog post, you will learn more about keratoconus, recognize its symptoms, and explore treatment options.
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Symptoms of Keratoconus: Individuals with keratoconus often experience the following symptoms:
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.
- Ghosting or multiple images.
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Causes of Keratoconus: The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, eye rubbing, and certain conditions such as allergies or connective tissue disorders.
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Treatment Options for Keratoconus:
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: In the early stages, mild to moderate keratoconus can be managed with glasses or special contact lenses designed for irregular corneas.
- Corneal Cross-Linking: This procedure involves the application of riboflavin eye drops followed by exposure to ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of keratoconus.
- Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments: These are small, clear plastic inserts that are surgically placed within the cornea to reshape it and improve vision.
- Corneal Transplantation: In severe cases where other treatments are not effective, a corneal transplant may be considered, where the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.
Early detection and intervention are key in managing keratoconus. If you experience any symptoms or suspect you may have keratoconus, it is important to consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination.