keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop.

Who gets Keratoconus?

The actual incidence of Keratoconus 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 teens.

What happens?

The cornea is the clear window of the eye and is responsible for refracting most of the light coming into the eye. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea severely affect the way we see the world making simple tasks, like driving, watching TV or reading a book difficult. In its earliest stages, keratoconus causes slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to light. These symptoms usually first appear in the late teens and early twenties. Keratoconus may progress for 10-20 years and then slow or stabilize. Each eye may be affected differently.

What can be done about it?

In the early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism caused in the early stages of keratoconus. As the disorder progresses and the cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are generally prescribed to correct vision more adequately.

The contact lenses must be carefully fitted, and frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good vision.

Treatment Options Overview

Glasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism caused by keratoconus in its earliest stage, however at some point a Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lens will correct KC vision better.

Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses (abbreviated to RGP or GP) will correct vision as KC progresses. The rigid lens material enables the lens to vault over the cornea, replacing the cornea’s irregular shape with a smooth, uniform refracting surface to improve vision. Please contact us should you wish to discuss any of the above.

Please contact us should you wish to discuss any of the above.