Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision. It typically begins in the teenage years and stabilizes by middle age.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- ICD-10: H18.6
- Onset: Teens to early 20s
- Treatment: Lenses, cross-linking, transplant
Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision that progressively worsens
- Frequent prescription changes
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Halos around lights
Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye exam
- Corneal topography or tomography
- Pachymetry (cornea thickness)
Treatment
- Glasses or soft contact lenses (mild cases)
- Rigid gas-permeable or scleral contact lenses
- Corneal cross-linking (slows or halts progression)
- Intracorneal ring segments
- Corneal transplant for advanced cases
When to See a Doctor
See an ophthalmologist for progressive visual changes, frequent prescription updates, or eye rubbing in young people (a risk factor for progression).
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Keratoconus Patient Information.