Keratoconus

In the early stages, keratoconus causes slightly blurred vision and increased sensitivity to bright light^2^. As it progresses, vision may become more and more distorted. An eye care professional can determine the presence of keratoconus during a routine eye examination.

 Symptoms of keratoconus include^2^:

• Distorted vision at all distances
• “Ghost” images – the appearance of several images when looking at one object
• Poor night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye strain
• Noticeably worse vision in one eye
• Double vision in one eye

In the early stages, keratoconus is essentially a mild form of astigmatism. As such, it can be treated in similar ways:

• Spectacles or soft contact lenses are an effective method of vision correction for most cases of early keratoconus^1^.
• Gas permeable (GP) and scleral lenses - for patients whose condition has progressed and the cornea has become thinner and steeper, these lenses will provide a better level of vision correction^1^.
• Eye surgery - Collagen cross-linking (CXL) is sometimes an option in younger keratoconus patients whose condition is continuing to progress. It is not a cure but helps to slow down the progression of the disease. By late 30’s this has usually happened naturally so CXL is not required. In some cases, a patient may be offered a corneal graft if it is considered to be their best option^1^.