Keratoconus
Introduction
We see through the cornea, which is the clear,
central part of the front surface of the eye. Normally, the
cornea has a round shape, like a ball. Sometimes, however, the
structure of the cornea is just not strong enough to hold this
round shape. The normal pressure inside the eye makes the cornea
bulge outward like a cone. This condition is called keratoconus.
What Causes Keratoconus?
Often the cause of keratoconus is unknown. Some studies have
found that keratoconus runs in families, and that it happens
more often in people with certain medical conditions. But most
often, there is no eye injury or disease that could explain why
the eye starts to change.
Keratoconus usually begins in the teenage years, but it can
also start in childhood or up to about age 30. The changes in
the shape of the cornea occur slowly, usually over several
years.
Someone with keratoconus will notice that vision slowly
becomes distorted. The change can stop at any time, or it can
continue for several years. In most people who have keratoconus,
both eyes are eventually affected.
Can Keratoconus Damage Vision?
Keratoconus does not make people go blind. However, the
changes to the cornea will make it impossible for the eye to
focus without eyeglasses or contact lenses .
Keratoconus can be dangerous if laser vision correction
surgery -- LASIK or PRK is performed on the eye.
Anyone with even a small amount of keratoconus should not
have laser vision correction surgery.
Next: How is keratoconus diagnosed? »
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