Keratoconus is a rare condition in which the usually round, dome-shaped cornea becomes thin and forms a cone-shaped bulge. Keratoconus literally means cone-shaped cornea.
The cornea is a very important part of the eye. Light enters the eye through the cornea, which bends and focuses the light, so that we can see clearly. In keratoconus, the shape of the cornea changes and vision is impaired.
The reason for keratoconus is not clear yet. Some scientists believe that genetics play a role, as around 10% of people with keratoconus have a family member with the same disease.
Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, but symptoms of each eye can be different. Symptoms usually begin showing up in people who are at the end of puberty or the beginning of their twenties and can include:
- Blurred vision
- Impaired vision
- Heightened light sensitivity
- Slight irritation to the eyes.
Treatment usually depends on the severity of symptoms. In the early stages, vision can be corrected with glasses. As the condition progresses, the use of hard contact lenses may be necessary, as they can make light enter the eye and bend correctly. You should abstain from rubbing your eyes, as this can make symptoms worse.