What is Keratoconus? Keratoconus symptoms and treatment
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that occurs between the ages of 10 and 20 and is usually characterized by constantly changing degrees of myopia or astigmatism. Pointing out that the disease is often perceived as a simple change in eye number and may not be noticed, Anadolu Health Center Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz said, “While increased eyeglass prescriptions can be corrected for a while and vision can be improved, if it progresses, irreversible vision losses may occur. It should be kept in mind that keratoconus may occur, especially in young people whose eye numbers change frequently. “It is extremely important to diagnose keratoconus early to prevent permanent blindness,” he said. Here is Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Information provided by Yusuf Avni Yılmaz…
Keratoconus is the thinning of the transparent front layer of the eye, called the cornea, and its steepening in the shape of a cone due to the loss of tissue stiffness. This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from focusing correctly on the retina, causing vision impairment. Although the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, there is information about genetic transmission. Namely, approximately 10 percent of patients with keratoconus have a family history of keratoconus. In addition, eye allergies and excessive scratching of the eyes may also be among the reasons.
Changing glasses frequently and contact lenses not fitting properly are symptoms of keratoconus.
Keratoconus often affects both eyes and can cause very different vision between the eyes. Symptoms may be different in each eye and may change over time. Early symptoms include mild blurred vision, slightly distorted vision in which straight lines appear bent or wavy, and increased sensitivity to light, but more blurred and distorted vision, increased myopia, or astigmatism occurs in later stages. The result is frequent changing of new glasses, poor contact lens fit, and discomfort when wearing contact lenses. Keratoconus usually takes years to progress, but sometimes keratoconus can worsen rapidly. The cornea may suddenly swell and begin to scar. When the cornea has scar tissue, it loses its smoothness and becomes less clear. As a result, vision becomes even more distorted and blurred.
Be careful between the ages of 10 and 20
Keratoconus symptoms usually begin in young people between the ages of 10 and 20. Keratoconus may progress for 10-20 years and its progression may slow down towards the end of 30 years of age. Each eye can be affected differently. Keratoconus can be diagnosed with an eye examination by an ophthalmologist who specializes in corneas. During this detailed examination, the steepness and thinness of your cornea can be determined. In addition, if necessary, it is diagnosed definitively by mapping the cornea, known as corneal topography. These measurements and examinations are extremely important in monitoring the progression of the disease.
Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease
Keratoconus treatment is planned depending on the patient’s stage and condition. Very mild cases can be followed without doing anything. Or, conversely, more severe treatments such as coenea transplantation may be required to restore some vision in keratoconus patients. People with keratoconus often cannot see well into the distance. In this case, a solution can be provided with glasses or soft contact lenses in mild cases. In more advanced cases, special keratoconus lenses are used because vision cannot be achieved with this method. At even more advanced stages, it is necessary to perform corneal transplantation using different techniques depending on the situation.
