What Is Keratoconus And How Is It Treated?

Keratoconus is a significant eye condition that affects the cornea's shape and function. As a progressive disorder, it gradually alters the cornea and leads to vision problems. An early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for preserving your vision and eye health. Before you visit Total Eyecare in Elko, NV, learn more about keratoconus and how it’s treated below:

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward into a cone shape. This abnormal shape causes distorted vision and can lead to increased sensitivity to light and glare. Unlike other conditions that affect vision, keratoconus progresses gradually and symptoms can vary from person to person.

Recognizing the Symptoms

If you have keratoconus, you may exhibit a variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:

•             Blurry vision

•             Light sensitivity

•             Difficulty seeing at night

•             Frequent changes in prescription

•             Double vision

•             Eye irritation or redness

Diagnosis

Keratoconus is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a corneal topography test. This test maps the surface of the cornea to identify any irregularities in its shape. In some cases, a pachymetry test may be used to measure the thickness of the cornea and help our eye doctors learn more about your condition.

Treatments for Keratoconus

Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, vision can often be corrected with specialized contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses. These lenses help reshape the cornea and improve visual clarity.

For more advanced keratoconus, additional treatments may be required. One such treatment is corneal cross-linking, which is a procedure that strengthens the cornea by applying ultraviolet light and riboflavin eye drops. It can slow the progression of the condition and improve your eyesight.

In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This surgical procedure replaces the damaged cornea with a donor cornea to restore normal vision. Corneal transplants are typically considered when other treatments are no longer effective.

Contact Total Eyecare for an Appointment Today

If you’re seeking keratoconus treatment, our team at Total Eyecare in Elko, NV, can help. With personalized care, we can reduce your symptoms and improve your overall health. To learn more about the treatments we provide or to schedule an appointment, call us at (775) 738-8491. When you need an optometrist near me, we are happy to help!