It is a disease that creates a thinning of the cornea or the clear front surface of the eye. Normal outward pressure within the eye causes the cornea to progressively bulge into a cone-like shape. The change in the cornea's shape can have a dramatic impact on one's vision. It normally affects both eyes although it typically progresses at different rates. In most people Keratoconus begins during their teen years and slowly worsens before stabilizing in their 30s or 40s. Keratoconus is estimated to affect one in 2,000 people across all races.
In more severe cases, normal everyday activities such as driving and reading can be difficult to perform.
Nobody knows the cause of Keratoconus. There is evidence that the disease has genetic origins possibly made worse by environmental factors.
Although Keratoconus rarely results in total blindness, 20% of all patients will at some time need to undergo a corneal transplant, according to medical experts.
It is normally treated with rigid contact lenses to reshape and flatten the pronounced curve of the bulging cornea and to improve vision. A proper lens fit is crucial to obtain adequate vision and wearing comfort. Poorly fitting or outdated contact lenses can be uncomfortable and lead to additional complications like corneal abrasions, scarring or infection. In a minority of cases, corneal transplant surgery is required.
For Keratoconus patients who are contact lens intolerant, there is now a revolutionary new procedure available, Intacs prescription inserts. Intacs provide a new option to improve both corrected and uncorrected vision, and may defer the need for a corneal transplant. Learn more about the benefits of Intacs procedure below!
Did you know?
Dr. Lee is one of the few physicians in the country performing Ultra Thin DSEK procedure.
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