KERATOCONUS

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an uncommon condition in which the cornea (clear front window of the eye) becomes thin and protrudes. Keratoconus literally means a cone shaped cornea. This abnormal shape can cause serious distortion of vision.

What causes keratoconus?

Despite continuing research, the cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Although keratoconus is not generally considered an inherited disorder, the chance of a blood relative having keratoconus is thought to be as high as 1 in 10.

Vigorous eye rubbing, although not the cause of keratoconus, can contribute to the disease process. Therefore, patients with keratoconus are advised to avoid rubbing their eyes.

What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

Blurring and distortion of vision are the earliest symptoms of keratoconus. Symptoms usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. The disease will often progress slowly for 10 to 20 years, then stabilise.

In the early stages, vision may be only slightly affected, causing glare, light sensitivity and irritation. Each eye may be affected differently. As the disease progresses and the cornea steepens and scars, vision may become distorted.

A sudden decrease in vision can occur if the cornea swells. The cornea swells when the elastic part of the cornea develops a tiny crack created by the strain of the cornea's protruded cone-like shape. The swelling may persist for weeks or months as the crack heals and is gradually replaced by scar tissue.

How is keratoconus treated?

Mild cases are successfully treated with glasses or specially designed contact lenses. When vision is no longer satisfactory with glasses or contact lenses, surgery (usually a corneal transplant) is recommended.

If sudden corneal swelling occurs, your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops for temporary relief. However there are no medicines known which prevent progression of the disease.

If a corneal transplant is necessary for advanced keratoconus, vision usually improves. Glasses or contact lenses are often necessary after the surgery. As in any eye surgery, complications such as transplant rejection, infection and loss of vision can occur, so results cannot be guaranteed.

Keratoconus Australia is a patient support group run by and for patients. You may wish to join. Details are:
Keratoconus Australia, PO Box 8188 Camberwell North, Victoria 3131. Telephone 0409 644 811
E-mail info @ keratoconus.asn.au Web www.keratoconus.asn.au