Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a common condition where the cornea progressively thins and bulges forward forming a cone shape. This condition is caused by certain factors including heredity, the constant rubbing of the eyes, or it could form as a result of other diseases.

The symptoms associated with Keratoconus are poor vision with occasional pain and tearing. The cone shape of the cornea may also produce astigmatism. These symptoms will usually develop at a young age and gradually become worse over time.

Keratoconus can be treated in the early stages with contact lenses or glasses. Generally, the cornea will stabilize without causing any severe vision problems. Keratoconus may progress rapidly, and there is a new hope to arrest this progression with a relatively new procedure of corneal cross-linking. If the eyes become scarred and contact lenses cannot be worn, a corneal transplant may need to be performed.