Keratoconus

Keratoconus develops when the eye cornea bulges out and thins out becoming cone-shaped and provoking visual-impairment, as well as too much sensitivity to reflections. The disease occurs immediately in both eyes, intensifying in one particular. Ailment occurs in 10-25-age, and progresses slowly.

Causes of keratoconus

Now, doctors do not know exactly what exactly provokes this disease, but scientists concluded that genetics and various environmental-factors are engaged in ailment occuring.

Approximately 10% of patients experienced such ailment, have parents suffering from keratoconus.

Symptoms of keratoconus

It gradually impairs vision-qualities:

• cornea’s shape turns from spherical to conical, the smooth surface becomes wavy;
• as the disease progresses, myopia appears. This means that a person can perfectly see objects only close, and if you move away from them, the picture is blurred.

The optometrist can identify the first signals of ailment by implementing eye examination. People need to think about visiting physicians if following symptoms appear.

1. Seeing double when you look at something with one eye.
2. The picture seems blurry both at close inspection and in the distance.
3. When you see highlights, it seems to you that there are frames around them.
4. When you look at something, you see light streaks.
5. You notice triple ghost pictures.
6. Difficulties in driving are felt because of blurring.

Keratoconus diagnosis

Specialists examine modifications in cornea shape. There are many ways to carry out such an action, but often doctors prescribe the topography of the cornea.

Then doctors study the picture and draw the appropriate conclusions. Children are required to have regular examinations every 12 months, starting at the age of 10 years.

Keratoconus treatment

With a gentle form, doctors prescribe the wearing of glasses. This solution helps to “clear” vision. If this method is ineffective, the doctor advises you to use lenses. In more complex cases, it is mandatory to resort to gas-permeable lenses. Additional procedures may be necessary to strengthen the cornea and improve vision-qualities.

A corneal collagen cross-linking therapy may prevent defect from developing. The doctor may also insert an Intacs ring implant under cornea’s surface to improve vision and smooth out the cone.

If the above treatments don’t restore vision-qualities, the last step is corneal transplants. This’s a completely safe intervention, and it gives successful results in more than 90% of cases. The specialist removes the center of cornea, replaces it and sews in place.