5 Things To Expect If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Keratoconus

March 7, 2023 | Dr. Elise Kramer | Comments are off for this post.

Any disease that can progressively worsen over time is classified as progressive. When it comes to your eyes, a few progressive disordered can affect different structures within the eye.

Keratoconus is the most common progressive ectatic eye condition that affects the shape of the cornea because of thinning of the tissue at the front of the eye. It can cause vision distortions, glare, halos, nearsightedness and blurred vision. If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect for the future of your sight and eye health. Here are five things to help you understand what you can expect as a patient with keratoconus.

#1: Keratoconus will change your vision with time

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that is likely to worsen over time.

However, the progression of the condition varies greatly among patients. Some may experience rapid progression, while others may have only a slow progression over many years. Regular eye exams are vital to detect changes in corneal health and determine the rate of progression.

#2: You will experience visual distortions

One of the most common symptoms of keratoconus is visual distortions. This can include blurry vision, double vision, and seeing halos, glare or light trails around lights. As the condition progresses, these visual symptoms may become more pronounced and noticeable to patients.

These visual distortions can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to perform tasks that require clear vision, such as reading or driving, especially at night. Your experienced eye doctor can help you manage these symptoms with the appropriate treatment plan.

#3: There are multiple treatment options for keratoconus

Although it may feel stressful to be diagnosed with keratoconus, the reality is that there are several treatment options that are available for this type of condition including:

Glasses or Contact Lenses: In mild cases of keratoconus, glasses or soft contact lenses can be used to correct vision.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses: For moderate to severe cases of keratoconus, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses may be prescribed. RGP lenses provide better vision than glasses or soft contact lenses by conforming to the shape of the cornea.
Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses may be used instead of RGP lenses. Scleral lenses are larger and vault over the cornea, resting on the white of the eye (the sclera).

It’s important to remember that these options to do not slow the progress of keratoconus, but can help to provide you with a better quality of life. Our doctor will review the benefits and drawbacks of these options in your case and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan so that you feel at ease.

#4: Surgical Options are available

Your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist that specializes in the cornea for procedures that slow the progression of keratoconus or surgery in severe cases.

One such procedure is called corneal collagen crosslinking, which helps strengthen the cornea and can slow down the progression of the condition.

Another surgical option is a corneal transplant, which involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea. This is reserved for advanced cases of keratoconus. Still, the vast majority of people experiencing keratoconus will not need surgical intervention. Your eye doctor will work with you to determine if surgery is even necessary based on the severity of your condition and your specific needs.

#5: Regular eye exams are non-negotiable

Regular eye exams are essential for patients with keratoconus.

Your eye doctor will monitor the progression of your condition and adjust your treatment plan according to their findings during your regular exams. Regular eye exams also help detect any potential complications early on, which can prevent further vision loss.

Additionally, your eye doctor can help you manage any symptoms you may experience. A professional eyecare practitioner ensures that your treatment plan effectively corrects your vision and manages any visual distortions. Regular eye exams allow your eye doctor to detect any changes in the progression of your condition and make any adjustments to your treatment plan.

Live a Full Life with Keratoconus

A keratoconus diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to understand what you should expect once you receive a diagnosis to understand how to best manage living a full life with the condition.

Regular eye exams are crucial in monitoring the condition’s progression and detecting potential complications.

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, it is important to work closely with your experienced eye doctor to tailor your personal treatment plan. Schedule a visit with our doctor to learn more about your treatment options for keratoconus or other vision needs. You can maintain good eyesight and a fulfilling life with the right care and support.