Many people who consult an ophthalmologist with blurred vision may be diagnosed with keratoconus while thinking that the problem is just simple myopia or astigmatism. This condition, also known as corneal sharpening, is a progressive eye disease that can seriously reduce the quality of vision.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is the thinning of the transparent corneal layer, which is located at the front of the eye and resembles the glass of a watch, and curves forward and takes the shape of a cone. This deformity causes the rays coming into the eye to not be refracted correctly and to fall irregularly on the retina. Under normal conditions, the cornea has a spherical shape; In keratoconus, the collagen fibers inside the cornea weaken and extend outward under the influence of intraocular pressure. This process, which usually begins in adolescence, can progress into the 30s or 40s.
What Causes Keratoconus?
- Genetic Predisposition: The risk is higher in those with a family history of keratoconus
- Mechanical Trauma: Rubbing the eyes hard and constantly is the biggest trigger that weakens the corneal structure.
- Allergic Body: People with chronic eye allergies are in the risk group because they rub their eyes more frequently due to itching.
What are the symptoms of Keratoconus?
- blurred vision
- Hypersensitivity to light
- Decreased night vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Frequent change of glasses prescription
- Frequently changing degree of astigmatism
- Ghost images around objects (monocular diplopia)
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
Keratoconus is diagnosed with special examinations such as corneal topography (mapping) and pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement) in addition to the standard eye examination. Corneal topography can detect even the earliest stage sharpening. Early diagnosis is vital to stop the progression of the disease.
How to Treat Keratoconus?
Keratoconus treatment is planned according to the stage of the disease. While Cross-Linking is applied in the early stages, intra-corneal rings, hybrid lenses or corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) are preferred in advanced cases to improve the quality of vision.
- Corneal Cross-Linking (CCL): It is the only method that can stop the progression of the disease. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is dropped into the eye and UV-A light is applied.
- Intra-Corneal Ring (Intacs/Ring): Transparent rings are placed to correct the deformity of the cornea.
- Keratoconus Lenses: Standard soft lenses do not fit over the tapered cornea; gas-permeated rigid lenses or hybrid lenses are used
- Cornea Transplantation (Keratoplasty): In very advanced cases, it is replaced with healthy corneal tissue.
Life Recommendations for Keratoconus Patients
- Allergy treatment: Drops recommended by the doctor should be used to prevent eye allergies.
- Avoid eye rubbing: Scratching or pressing the eye can cause the disease to progress.
- Use sunglasses: UV rays can affect the corneal structure
- Regular control: Control should be provided with topography once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does keratoconus cause blindness?
If left untreated, visual acuity may decrease significantly in advanced cases. However, the progression of the disease can be stopped with modern methods such as early diagnosis and cross-linking.
Can laser eye surgery be performed for keratoconus?
Usually it can't be done. The cornea must be thick and healthy enough for laser surgery. Standard laser in keratoconus may worsen the disease.
When should cross-linking be done?
It should be done as soon as the disease progresses. It is more effective when applied early in terms of stopping progression.
