What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye disease that develops when your cornea, the transparent dome at the front of the eye, thins and gradually bulges outwards into a cone shape.

The cone shaped cornea causes blurry vision and may cause sensitivity to light and glare. 

Both eyes are usually affected by keratoconus which usually develops between the ages of ten and twenty five.

Keratoconus causes changes in the curvature of the eye (astigmatism) and short-sightedness which may get worse as the cornea gradually changes shape, sometimes over a period of ten years. 

In the early stages of keratoconus you may be able to correct any vision problems with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Complications may arise if the inner membrane of the eye just under the cornea splits allowing a large volume of fluid into the stroma, the main layer of the cornea. 

Swelling of the stroma can cause pain, scarring and a loss of vision.

Some people experience several years where their cornea remains stable, while other people experience a rapid deterioration. 

Why is prompt treatment of keratoconus important?

Prompt treatment and intervention can delay the progression of keratoconus. 

If the condition gets significantly worse, the only treatment that can restore your vision is a corneal transplant.

Around 20% of people with keratoconus will need a corneal transplant.

What causes keratoconus?

Studies suggest several different factors cause keratoconus including:

• Genetics - one in ten people with keratoconus have a family member with the condition
• If you have a connective tissue disorder such as Ehlers danlos or atopic dermatitis you are more prone to keratoconus as the layers of the stroma contain connective tissue which helps the cornea hold its shape
• Allergies - about a third of people with keratoconus have hayfever and allergies that can affect the eyes making you more vulnerable to keratoconus
• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis 
• Metabolic and chemical changes in the cornea due to unknown causes

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of keratoconus include:

• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to bright light with ghost halos
• A need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
• Sudden worsening or clouding of vision
• Short-sightedness (myopia)
• Astigmatism

Teenagers may discover they have the condition during a routine eye check up. 

Initially their optometrist may diagnose short-sightedness or astigmatism, however a need for frequent changes to their prescription can indicate keratoconus.

At The London Clinic Eye Centre we have an experienced team including specialists and nurses who will provide an eye examination which may include:

• Corneal topography
• Slit-lamp exam
• Pachymetry test to examine the thickness of the cornea

One of our specialist consultants will treat you at our Eye Centre near Harley Street, with treatment including managing underlying conditions, prescribing glasses or discussing the need for surgery.