Keratoconus

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a disease caused by thinning and sharpening of the transparent layer of the eye, namely the cornea, with progressive myopia and astigmatism. Patients are aware of the disease, which usually starts in adolescence, only in their 20s. The disease progresses between the ages of 20 and 40 and enters the stationary period after the age of 40. The cornea is a very important part of the eye. Light enters the eye through the cornea. It allows you to see clearly by refracting or focusing the rays. In keratoconus, vision is impaired because the cornea is damaged. Keratoconus can make some activities difficult, such as driving a car, typing on a computer, watching television, or reading.

What are the causes of keratoconus?

Ultraviolet rays
Eye rub
Environmental factors
Use of hard contact lenses
Genetic predisposition
Chronic eye irritation

Although the cause of keratoconus disease is not known exactly as a result of the researches, genetic and mechanical traumas play the most important role in its development.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Persistent allergy or itching in the eye
Progressive myopia and astigmatism
Not being able to see clearly despite glasses
Increased sensitivity to light
Glare
Straight lines appear bent or wavy
Because the cornea protrudes, the inserted contact lens does not fit the eye or causes discomfort

These symptoms indicate a high risk of keratoconus disease. In such cases, it is useful to be examined by a specialist doctor. Since early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus disease are of great importance in terms of preventing serious vision problems that may occur in the future.

How is keratoconus treated?

Special hard contact lenses are used in the early stages of the disease. However, contact lenses cannot stop the progression of the disease. The following method can be used to stop the progression of the disease:

In cases when the steepening of the cornea progresses and the thinning of the cornea gradually increases, Corneal Cross-Linking (CCL) treatment is applied.

It is more preferred in young people with more progression and women before pregnancy.

Corneal Cross-Linking (CCL) is a treatment method that strengthens the collagen and fibrils in the cornea by cross-linking with the help of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and Ultraviolet A rays. It is applied under sterile conditions in the operating room. With this treatment, the forward progression and thinning of the cornea due to the disease is stopped. Vision loss is prevented in almost all of the patients treated with cross-linking, and at the same time, visual acuity is increased in some of the patients.

What should be considered after keratoconus surgery?

There are several important points to consider after keratoconus surgery. Keratoconus is an eye disease characterized by thinning and deformity of the cornea. Surgical procedures such as corneal transplant or corneal ring can be used as a treatment for keratoconus. Both procedures are performed to restore the normal shape of the eye and correct vision problems. After keratoconus surgery, it is important to pay attention to the following points:

Use of medications: You must continue to use your medications as advised by your doctor. These medications may include antibiotics, pain relievers, and eye drops.

Use of glasses and contact lenses: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, continue to use them as directed by your doctor. This will protect your eyes during the healing process and improve your vision.

Eye hygiene: In the postoperative period, eye hygiene is very important. It is important to wash your eyes after washing your hands and to be in a hygienic environment. Do not rub your eyes and wash as directed by your doctor.

Sports: Your doctor will allow you to play sports after your surgery. However, it is important to avoid activities that can damage your eyes while playing sports.

Eye examinations: Regular eye examinations should be performed after keratoconus surgery. It helps to monitor eye health and track post-surgery recovery.

Use of sunglasses: The use of sunglasses helps protect the eyes during the postoperative period. Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses, especially on sunny days.

The recovery process after surgical treatment of keratoconus can vary from person to person. However, by following the recommendations of an ophthalmologist, you can speed up the healing process and keep your eyes healthy.

What should be paid attention to patients with keratoconus?

Patients with keratoconus should pay attention to some important points to maintain eye health and reduce vision problems. Keratoconus is an eye disease characterized by thinning and deformity of the cornea. Here's what you should pay attention to in patients with keratoconus:

Regular eye exams: Patients with keratoconus should have regular eye exams. This is important for monitoring disease progression and determining appropriate treatment.
Use of glasses or contact lenses: Wearing glasses or contact lenses is one of the options patients with keratoconus can use to correct their vision problems. By using them as prescribed by your doctor, you can improve your eyesight.
Use of UV-protective sunglasses: Patients with keratoconus should protect their eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses. UV rays can cause disease progression and eye damage.
Eye hygiene: Patients with keratoconus should pay attention to eye hygiene. By regularly rinsing your eyes, you can reduce the risk of infection. Avoid rubbing your eyes and wash them as directed by your doctor.
Stop smoking: Cigarettes contain many chemicals that are harmful to the eyes. Patients with keratoconus can protect their eye health by avoiding smoking.
Stress management: Stress can accelerate the progression of keratoconus. By using stress management techniques, you can reduce your stress levels and protect your eye health.
Healthy diet: A healthy diet is very important for eye health. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may help keep your eyes healthy. By following a healthy diet, you can slow the progression of keratoconus.

Patients with keratoconus can protect their eye health by paying attention to the points mentioned above. However, if they have any problems, they should seek appropriate treatment in consultation with their doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does keratoconus lead to blindness?

Keratoconus disease, if not diagnosed and treated early, can progress and cause serious vision problems. However, keratoconus leads to blindness.

Patients with keratoconus often correct vision problems using glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, patients with keratoconus may be offered corneal transplant surgery if the use of spectacles or contact lenses is insufficient and it is not possible to stop the progression of the disease. This surgery is an option used to correct vision problems in patients with advanced keratoconus.

However, the progression of vision problems can be prevented and eye health can be protected if patients with keratoconus have regular eye exams, follow their doctor's advice, and receive appropriate treatment. Thus, keratoconus does not lead to blindness, but can cause serious vision problems, and therefore patients must follow the treatment without neglecting it to protect the health of their eyes.

How do people with keratoconus see?

In keratoconus, symptoms are usually mild in the early stages and may become more severe in later stages. Symptoms that usually occur in patients with keratoconus:

Blurred or blurry vision
Double vision
Luminous objects look like halos or circles
Feeling that glasses or contact lenses need to be changed frequently
Itching, irritation, or redness of the eyes
Soreness or pain in the eyes

Keratoconus usually presents equally in both eyes. However, the disease may be more severe in one of the eyes, and therefore patients must have regular examinations of both eyes.

If these symptoms appear, you should consult an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will perform various tests to diagnose the structure of the cornea and the presence of keratoconus. With early diagnosis and treatment, keratoconus can be prevented or controlled before it causes serious vision problems.

Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.

*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.