November 10 is World Keratoconus Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about an eye condition many people have never heard of until they or someone they love is diagnosed with it. Keratoconus affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, causing it to gradually thin and bulge outward into a cone-like shape. As the shape of the cornea changes, vision can become increasingly blurry or distorted.
At Atkinson Eye Care in Algonquin, Illinois, we encourage patients to pay attention to changes in their vision and understand when those changes may deserve a closer look.
What Are the Signs of Keratoconus?
Keratoconus often begins during the teenage years or young adulthood and can progress over time. Because some of its early symptoms resemble more common vision problems, it may not be immediately obvious that something else is happening. Signs can include blurry or distorted vision, increasing nearsightedness or astigmatism, sensitivity to light or glare and frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription.
One potential warning sign is continuing to struggle with your vision even after receiving an updated prescription. That does not necessarily mean you have keratoconus, but it is something worth discussing with your eye doctor.
Why Does Keratoconus Affect Vision?
A healthy cornea has a smooth, rounded shape that helps focus light properly inside the eye. With keratoconus, the cornea becomes thinner and takes on a more irregular shape. Because light can no longer focus as evenly, someone with keratoconus may experience distorted or blurry vision. As the condition progresses, ordinary glasses may become less effective at providing clear vision.
Keratoconus typically affects both eyes, although one eye can be affected more significantly than the other.
Who Is at Risk for Keratoconus?
Researchers are still studying exactly why some people develop keratoconus. Family history can play a role, which makes it important to tell your eye doctor if someone in your family has been diagnosed. Frequent or forceful eye rubbing has also been associated with keratoconus. This can be especially relevant for people who frequently experience itchy eyes from allergies or irritation.
Rather than repeatedly rubbing itchy or uncomfortable eyes, talk with your eye doctor about what may be causing the irritation and how it can be managed.
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
An eye examination can help your eye doctor determine whether changes in your vision are caused by a routine prescription change or whether further evaluation may be appropriate. When keratoconus is suspected, detailed measurements of the shape and thickness of the cornea can help identify changes associated with the condition. These measurements can also help monitor whether keratoconus is progressing over time.
This is one reason regular comprehensive eye examinations are important, particularly if your vision seems to be changing frequently.
Can Keratoconus Be Treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether it is progressing. Glasses or contact lenses may provide adequate vision correction in earlier stages. Some people with more irregular corneas benefit from specialty contact lenses that provide a more regular surface for light to enter the eye.
For progressive keratoconus, corneal cross-linking may be recommended to strengthen the cornea and help slow or stop further progression. More advanced cases may require additional treatment. The important distinction is that correcting blurry vision and slowing the progression of keratoconus are not necessarily the same thing. Your eye doctor can help determine what type of care is appropriate based on your individual eyes.
Why World Keratoconus Day Matters
World Keratoconus Day on November 10 is an opportunity to make more people aware of the condition and its symptoms. If your prescription seems to change frequently, your astigmatism continues to increase or your vision does not seem as clear as it should even with updated glasses or contacts, do not simply assume you need another stronger prescription.
Having those changes evaluated can help determine what is happening with your eyes and whether additional testing is appropriate.
Have You Noticed Changes in Your Vision?
If you have noticed persistent blurry or distorted vision, frequent prescription changes or other changes in your eyesight, schedule a comprehensive eye examination with Atkinson Eye Care. Atkinson Eye Care has served Algonquin and McHenry County since 1994, providing comprehensive eye care for children and adults.
Atkinson Eye Care
2100 N. Huntington Drive, Unit A
Algonquin, Illinois 60102
847-854-5700