Keratoconus (KC) is an eye disease (i.e. thinning of the cornea). Keep in mind that the cornea is the front part of the eye. The shape of the cornea changes over a period of time. In the early stages, this condition may go unnoticed. A physician will use videokeratography or corneal topography to measure the outside of the eye. These tests help the physician determine if the cornea is abnormal. If left untreated, KC will progress naturally. Here are the facts about KC.
Signs and Symptoms
First, if the radius of the eye is higher than 50 diopters, the patient may have KC. A healthy cornea has a dome-shape. A KC cornea has a cone-shape. Furthermore, a patient may experience blurred vision or double vision. While driving at night, the bright lights or glares may harm the eyes. Some patients have scars on the cornea. The American Optometric Association says, “KC may progress for 10-20 years and then slow in its progression. Each eye may be affected differently. As KC progresses, the cornea bulges more and vision may become more distorted.” Therefore, adults and children should get regular eye exams to protect their vision.
What Can Cause KC
Next, one publication says, KC occurs when the eye(s) loses collagen and becomes weak (i.e. cone shape). The collagen cells hold the eye(s) to its normal shape. On the other hand, another publication says, “ No one knows what causes KC, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved. Around 1 in 10 people with KC also have a parent with the condition.” Avoid rubbing the eye(s). Make sure your eye contact lenses fit correctly. In some cases, patients with KC experience constant, or chronological eye problems.
Treatments and Drugs
Then, a doctor will treat this disease by investigating the eye(s). After examining each eye(s), a physician may recommend special eyeglasses or special contact lenses. This is one of the first steps in helping a patient with KC. All patients are different. For example, the treatment plans for adults are different for the treatment of children. This disease can strike at any age. During the “advanced stage” of KC, a corneal transplant procedure is a step in doctors’ treatments of patients. As the KC disease progress, the Federal Food and Drug Administration has only approved “riboflavin 5-phosphate ophthalmic solution.” Patients with Keratoconus receive the best healthcare when they contact their doctors for advice. When there is a severe case of KC, the patient may need a corneal transplant.
In addition, the medical communities work to provide the best services in all areas. However, there are always problems that require extensive research by qualified medical researchers to get the best results for KC patients. KC disease affects many people. In the meantime, education about this disease is helping patients make smart decisions to improve their eye health care. Your doctor can insert a device into the eye. This medical device is called an intact. Simply put, your physician will implant this item into the eye to improve your vision.
Finally, KC disease can strike at any age. The best way to prevent KC is to visit your doctor and get an eye exam. To help patients, eyeglasses and contact lenses may solve the problem. If you are experiencing abnormal vision problems, set an appointment with a qualified physician. Please keep in mind that this information is not medical advice.
