Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision.

Common symptoms

Progressive blurred and distorted vision, increased short-sightedness and astigmatism, glare and light sensitivity, and frequent changes in prescription.

Description

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, becomes thinner and starts to bulge outwards into a cone shape. This distorts the way light enters the eye and causes progressive changes in vision.

It usually starts in the teens or early twenties and can progress over several years before stabilising. The impact ranges from mild vision changes easily corrected by glasses to significant distortion needing specialist contact lenses or surgery.

Corneal cross-linking is often used to slow or halt progression, while rigid gas permeable or scleral contact lenses can improve vision. In advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be considered.