Keratoconus

Keratoconus: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea (the transparent front layer of the eye) that causes thinning and cone-shaped deformation, distorting vision and potentially leading to severe visual acuity loss if not treated promptly.

Causes of Keratoconus

Although its exact cause is unknown, it is associated with:

✔ Genetic factors (family history in 10% of cases).

✔ Chronic eye rubbing (main risk factor, especially in people with eye allergies).

✔ Systemic diseases (Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).

✔ Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Signs appear gradually and worsen over time:

Blurred or distorted vision (both distance and near).

Rapid increase in myopia and/or irregular astigmatism.

Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.

Light sensitivity (photophobia).

Halos or nighttime glare.

Diagnosis of Keratoconus

Specialized studies are required to detect it:

Corneal topography (maps irregularities in the corneal curvature).

Corneal tomography (Pentacam) (evaluates 3D thickness and structure).

Pachymetry (measures corneal thickness).

Corneal biomechanics (Corvis ST, ORA) (analyzes corneal resistance).

Important: A slit-lamp examination is not sufficient to diagnose keratoconus in its early stages.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Avoid rubbing your eyes (it worsens corneal thinning).

Control eye allergies (antihistamines, artificial tears).

Annual checkups with corneal topography.

UV protection (sunglasses with filter).

When to See a Specialist?

If you experience:

Sudden blurred vision.

Rapid increase in myopia/astigmatism.

Difficulty adjusting to contact lenses.

Do you suspect you have keratoconus? Schedule an evaluation with our cornea specialist!

Key Facts

Keratoconus affects 1 in 2,000 people.

It is usually diagnosed in adolescents or young adults.

Without treatment, it can lead to legal blindness in severe cases.

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) has reduced the need for transplants for keratoconus by 80%.