What Is Keratoconus and How Is It Treated?

Keratoconus is a medical condition that affects the cornea — the clear front layer of the eye. In this condition, the cornea becomes thinner and bulges forward into a cone shape rather than its normal dome curvature.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

The main symptoms of keratoconus include:

• Gradual loss of vision
• Increased light sensitivity
• Halos around lights
• Frequent changes to your glasses prescription
• Difficulty with night vision

Causes of Keratoconus

The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, including genetic and environmental influences.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how far the condition has progressed:

1. Early Stages

In the earliest stages, vision can usually be corrected with:

• Prescription glasses
• Soft contact lenses

2. Advanced Stages

As the condition progresses, you may need:

• Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses
• Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL)
• Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS)
• Corneal transplant in severe cases

Important Tips

To protect your eyes and slow the progression of keratoconus:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Schedule regular eye exams
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
• Maintain a balanced, vitamin-rich diet

Important: if you experience any of the symptoms above, consult a cornea specialist for the appropriate diagnostic workup and treatment plan.