Introduction:
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the corneal structure and causes vision loss. About one in 2,000 people develop keratoconus, which typically begins during puberty and lasts until the mid-30s. Glasses can be used to treat the early stages, but corneal transplantation may be required to restore vision as the disease progresses into late childhood and early adulthood. The procedure known as corneal collagen cross-linking is intended to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus. In the United States, corneal transplants are frequently required due to keratoconus. Keratoconus cannot be prevented in any way.
What Is Keratoconus?
The thinning of the cornea and surface irregularities of the cornea are hallmarks of keratoconus. The thickest part of the cornea is the middle layer, which is mostly water and a protein called collagen. The cornea is made strong and flexible by collagen, which helps keep it round. You can see clearly because this healthy cornea concentrates light. The cornea thins and forms an irregular cone in the keratoconus, which causes vision loss. Keratoconus typically begins during puberty and lasts until the middle of one's 30s. It is impossible to predict how quickly or whether the disease will progress. Typically, keratoconus affects both eyes, with one eye being affected more severely than the other.
How Does Keratoconus Develop?
Keratoconus still needs to be better understood despite decades of research. Although it is not known what causes keratoconus, it is generally accepted that a genetic predisposition to the condition exists from birth. The loss of collagen in the cornea is a common symptom of keratoconus. In addition, there may be an imbalance between the corneal cells' production and tissue destruction.
What Factors Put a Person at Risk for Keratoconus?
The following factors may increase the risk of developing keratoconus:
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Genetics - Keratoconus is more likely to occur in people with systemic disorders like Down syndrome or a family history of the condition.
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Eye Inflammation Over Time - The destruction of corneal tissue that can lead to the development of keratoconus can be exacerbated by persistent inflammation brought on by allergens or other irritants.
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Rubbing Eyes - Keratoconus is linked to excessive eye rubbing over time. Additionally, it may be a disease progression risk factor.
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Age - Keratoconus is typically discovered in adolescents. As the disease progresses, young patients with advanced keratoconus typically have a greater need for surgical intervention.
What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition in the cornea, the eye's clear front surface, to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. The symptoms of keratoconus can vary from person to person, and they may progress over time. Here are some common symptoms associated with keratoconus:
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Blurred or distorted vision: One of the primary symptoms of keratoconus is blurred or distorted occur vision. This can create problems in reading, driving, or other daily activities requiring clear vision.
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Increased sensitivity to light: People with keratoconus often experience increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. They may find bright lights uncomfortable or have trouble adjusting to changes in lighting conditions.
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Frequent eyeglass or contact lens prescription changes: Keratoconus can cause rapid vision changes, leading to regular updates to eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. Even with the updated medications, vision may need to be adequately corrected.
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Halos and ghosting: Many individuals with keratoconus report seeing halos or ghosting around lights, especially at night. This can affect visual clarity and cause further difficulty with night driving.
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Eye strain and discomfort: As the shape of the cornea changes, it can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and general pain. Some people may experience itching, burning, or dryness in their eyes.
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Decreased visual acuity: Over time, keratoconus can decrease visual acuity. Seeing objects may become more challenging as the condition progresses, even with corrective lenses.
It is important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity, and different people will experience various symptoms. If suspected of having keratoconus or experiencing any changes in the vision. It is crucial to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive examination and proper diagnosis.
How to Diagnose Keratoconus?
To diagnose keratoconus, your eye doctor may perform the following tests in addition to a comprehensive medical history and eye exam:
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Topography of the Cornea - Itis the most accurate method for diagnosing early keratoconus and tracking its progression. First, a computerized image is taken, and a map of the cornea's curve is created.
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Exam by Slit Lamp - Abnormalities in the cornea's outer and middle layers can be identified with this examination.
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Pachymetry - The cornea's thinnest areas are measured with this test.
What Are the Treatments Present for Keratoconus?
Keratoconus cannot be prevented in any way. Depending on the stage of keratoconus, treatment focuses on vision correction.
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Early Stages - In the early stages of keratoconus, glasses are used to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism. Patients with keratoconus must wear a contact lens, typically a hard contact lens because glasses no longer provide clear vision as the condition worsens.
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Intermediate Stages - Corneal collagen cross-linking can be used to treat progressive keratoconus. A vitamin B solution is applied to the eye during this one-time, in-office procedure, and ultraviolet light is used to activate it for about 30 minutes or less. The solution restores and preserves some of the cornea's strength and shape by forming new collagen bonds. Although the treatment can't completely restore normal corneal function, it can prevent vision from getting worse and, in some cases, even improve vision. For the riboflavin to more easily penetrate the corneal tissue, the procedure may necessitate the removal of the cornea's thin outer layer (epithelium). In April 2016, the FDA approved cross-linking as a treatment for keratoconus after clinical trials demonstrated that the procedure stopped or produced a slight reversal of corneal bulging within three to 12 months.
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Advanced Stages -
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Corneal Ring - A standard contact lens may become uncomfortable for patients with severe keratoconus. The C-shaped, implantable plastic Intacs are used to flatten the cornea's surface, which improves vision. They also make it easier to wear contact lenses. About 15 minutes are needed for the procedure.
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Transplant of the Cornea- A donor cornea replaces the patient's damaged cornea in a corneal transplant. Most of the time, corneal transplants are outpatient and take about an hour to complete. After a transplant, vision typically remains blurry for three to six months, and medication is required to prevent rejection. After transplant surgery, glasses or contact lenses are almost always required to ensure the clearest vision possible.
Conclusion -
Keratoconus is an ocular disease in which the eye changes shape from spherical to conical, affecting vision. Treatments can change over time and depend on the severity of the condition. People must diligently follow the doctor's instructions to avoid worsening keratoconus. Many surgical procedures, such as cross-linking, may enhance vision and prevent further alterations to the shape of the eyes, depending on the condition at the time of diagnosis.
