• Alternative names
• Defination
• Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

• Prevention
• Symptoms
• Signs & Tests
• Treatment

• Expectations
• Complications
• Calling Your health care provider

Keratoconus, also known as Conical Cornea, is a non-inflammatory condition of the cornea in which there is progressive central thinning of the cornea changing it from dome-shaped to cone-shaped. Keratoconus comes from the Greek word meaning ConicalCornea (Cone shaped- Cornea). The cornea is the clear windshield of the eye and is responsible for refracting most of the light coming into the eye. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea can severely affect the way we see the world, including simple tasks such as: driving, watching TV, or reading a book.

Keratoconus is not a blinding disorder, per se, but does result in a greatly increasing near-sightedness (things far away are out of focus) and irregular astigmatism (things look tilted) that can significantly distort your vision.

It is almost always bilateral (affecting both eyes). It is a slowly progressive disorder, taking years to develop, and may halt at any stage from mild to severe.

Although there is some research, the underlying reason for its development remains obscure. Some cases of KC have a hereditary component and studies indicate that about 8% of patients have affected relatives. However, most cases appear to be sporadic. It occurs in all ethnic groups and has a slight female preponderance.  The cause of Keratoconus remains unknown. Keratoconus is not generally considered an inherited disorder, but the chance of a blood relative having Keratoconus is thought to be as high as one in 10.

Vigorous eye rubbing, although not the cause of Keratoconus, can contribute to the disease process. Therefore, patients with Keratoconus are advised to avoid rubbing their eyes.

Keratoconus usually has its onset in puberty with progression over a 10 to 20 year period. This rate of progression is variable as well as the severity, ranging from mild astigmatism to severe corneal thinning, protrusion, and scarring.

Blurring and distortion of vision are the earliest symptoms of Keratoconus. Symptoms usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. The disease will often progress slowly for 10 to 20 years, and then usually stop.

In the early stages, vision may be only slightly affected, causing glare, light sensitivity and irritation. Each eye may be affected differently. As the disease progresses and the cornea steepness and scars, vision may become distorted. Then, you may experience one or more the following symptoms: Halos, ghosting, cloudy vision, double vision, and pain

Rarely, a sudden decrease in vision can occur if the cornea swells (corneal hydrops). The cornea swells when the elastic part of the cornea develops a tiny crack, created by the strain of the cornea's protruded cone-like shape. The swelling may persist for weeks or months as the crack heals and is gradually replaced by scar tissue. Patients with KC initially notice visual blurring and distortion. This may be accompanied by photophobia (light sensitivity) and glare.

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