Navigating Vision Changes: How Keratoconus Affects Your Eyesight

Vision is an essential part of daily life, and when it begins to change unexpectedly, it can be both alarming and frustrating. One condition that significantly impacts vision is keratoconus—a progressive eye disorder affecting the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye. Understanding how keratoconus alters your eyesight is key to managing its effects and maintaining your visual health.
 

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone shape. This irregular shape disrupts the way light enters the eye, leading to distorted vision. While the exact cause of keratoconus is not entirely understood, factors such as genetics, eye rubbing, and certain medical conditions may contribute to its development.
 

How Keratoconus Affects Your Eyesight

The vision changes associated with keratoconus vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
 

• Blurred or Distorted Vision: The irregular corneal shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in unclear or wavy images.

• Increased Sensitivity to Light: Patients often experience discomfort with bright lights or glare, especially at night.

• Frequent Prescription Changes: Rapid progression of keratoconus can make it difficult to find stable eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.

• Double Vision or Ghosting: Objects may appear to have shadows or multiple outlines.

• Halos Around Lights: At night, you may notice halos or starburst effects around light sources.
   

Diagnosing Keratoconus

Keratoconus is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Advanced diagnostic tools, such as corneal topography, can map the shape of your cornea to detect any irregularities. Early detection is crucial for managing the condition and slowing its progression.
 

How is Keratoconus Treated?

While there is no cure for keratoconus, several effective treatments can improve vision and help maintain eye health. Specialized contact lenses are often the first line of treatment. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are designed to create a smooth refractive surface over the irregular cornea, significantly enhancing vision clarity. For those who need additional comfort or have more advanced keratoconus, scleral lenses offer a great solution. These larger lenses rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vault over the cornea, providing both comfort and improved vision.
 

Another innovative treatment is Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), a minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue to slow the progression of keratoconus. This treatment can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of the condition to preserve vision and prevent further corneal changes.
 

For moderate to severe keratoconus, Intacs® inserts may be an option. These tiny, semi-circular implants are placed within the cornea to flatten and reshape it, enhancing visual acuity. In cases where keratoconus has advanced to the point where other treatments are no longer effective, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This surgical procedure replaces the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea to restore vision.
 

Coping with Vision Changes

Living with keratoconus can feel overwhelming, but with the right care and support, you can adapt to its challenges. Here are some tips:
 

• Regular Eye Exams: Monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.

• Use Protective Eyewear: Avoid eye injuries and reduce the risk of further complications.

• Avoid Eye Rubbing: Rubbing the eyes can worsen keratoconus by damaging the delicate corneal tissue.
   

Your Vision, Our Priority

At Eyecare Associates Optometric Group, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with keratoconus. From accurate diagnosis to customized treatment plans, we will work with you to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.
 

If you’re experiencing changes in your eyesight or have been diagnosed with keratoconus, schedule an eye exam with Eyecare Associates Optometric Group to find solutions that work best for you. Visit our office in Azusa, California, or call (626) 804-3266 to book an appointment today.