Cornea Specialist LA

Keratoconus

Keratoconus (KC) is a condition characterized by progressive thinning and steepening of the central cornea. The cornea is the clear window of the eye and is responsible for focusing most of the light coming into the eye. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea can severely affect the way we see the world.    

In its earliest stages, KC causes slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to glare and light.  These symptoms usually first appear in the late teens and early twenties.  The condition rarely develops after age 30.   The continued thinning of the cornea usually progresses slowly for 5 to 10 years and then tends to stabilize. Occasionally, it is rapidly progressive.  The condition tends to be bilateral but each eye may be affected differently.

When diagnosed in the early stages, KC may be corrected with glasses.  Due to its progressive nature, frequent changes in one’s glasses prescription may be necessary.  If the cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be prescribed to correct vision more adequately.

In about 20% of KC cases, a corneal transplant becomes necessary.  Corneal transplant surgery is indicated when a patient cannot wear contact lenses for an acceptable period of time or when the vision, even with contacts, is unsatisfactory.  In this process much of the central cornea of the KC patient is surgically removed and is replaced with the healthy cornea of a recently deceased person.

About 1/ 2000 people will develop keratoconus.  Fortunately, most people will have a mild or moderate form of the disease.  Research in this field is continually ongoing.  Therefore, to insure the best possible vision and to answer any questions you might have, it is important to maintain regular follow up with the doctors of the East West Eye Institute.

COSMETIC PROCEDURES