What Causes Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a degenerative non-inflammatory disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal gradual curve. Keratoconus can cause substantial distortion of vision, with multiple images, streaking and sensitivity to light all often reported by the patient. Keratoconus is the most common dystrophy of the cornea, affecting around one person in a thousand, and it seems to occur in populations throughout the world, although some ethnic groups experience a greater prevalence than others. It is typically diagnosed in the patient's adolescent years and attains its most severe state in the twenties and thirties.

Keratoconus Treatment

The actual incidence of KC is not known. It is not a common eye disease, but it is by no means rare. It has been estimated to occur in 1 out of every 2,000 persons in the general population. Keratoconus is generally first diagnosed in young people at puberty or in their late teen's. It is found in all parts of the United States and the rest of the world. It has no known significant geographic, cultural or social pattern.As this disease progresses, vision will no longer be correctable with glasses. Iron will deposit around the base of the protrusion. The tissue will thin and a Vogt's Striaes may develop (photo 2 below).  In severe cases, a temporary painful condition called acute hydrops (see right photo) may occur when water rushes into the thinned area of the cornea. This can lead to severe scarring .  Corneal transplant or penetrating keratoplasty surgery should be considered if other treatment methods fail.