At Today's Vision Conroe, we provide screening and treatment for a variety of eye conditions, including keratoconus. It is one of the lesser-known causes of vision issues and many patients are unsure how to treat it. Let’s take a closer look at this condition and how we can help.
Keratoconus Explained
Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the cornea. Normal corneas are dome-shaped like a ball. However, patients with keratoconus have weak fibers that hold the cornea in place. It causes the cornea to bulge outward like a cone. The cornea does not have enough protective antioxidants to keep its proper shape.
Causes of Keratoconus
There are no specific causes of keratoconus. However, there are several links to the condition:
- Family History. You have a greater likelihood of getting the condition if someone in your family has the condition.
- Age. The condition typically begins when you are a teenager, but it might not show up until your early 30s.
- Inflammation. Inflammation causes allergies, asthma, and eye disease.
- Eye Rubbing. Hard eye rubbing over time can break down the cornea. It also progresses the condition faster if you already have it.
- Race. Blacks and Latinos are more likely to develop the condition.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
An optometrist can determine if your symptoms are caused by keratoconus. Some of the symptoms include:
- Double Vision
- Near and distant objects look blurry
- Seeing halos around bright lights
- Light streaks
- Blurry vision that makes it difficult to drive or read
Our eye doctors will measure the shape of your cornea using a topographer. Pictures of your cornea are taken. Children that have parents with the condition should have one every year, starting at age ten.
Treating Keratoconus
Mild cases of the condition can usually be cleared up with new eyeglasses. However, we may also suggest contacts if the eyeglasses do not work. Rigid gas permeable contacts are generally the first choice, and other treatments can be combined to strengthen the cornea over time.
There is also cornea collagen cross-linking to stop the condition from becoming worse. If any of these treatments do not work, the last resort is to get a corneal transplant. It is a safe procedure, but we will determine the best course of treatment for you.
Contact Today's Vision Conroe for Keratoconus Testing and Treatment
Our eye doctors at Today's Vision in Conroe treat keratoconus. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms we have mentioned or it has been a while since your last eye exam, call our team today at (936) 788-2600 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
