General – Eye Health

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye disease characterized by thinning and distortion of the cornea. Normally spherical, the cornea bulges and then takes on a conical shape.

This degeneration is a rare eye condition, but it is also irreversible, hence the importance of awareness of the disease and to take preventive measures.

Who is affected by keratoconus ?

About one in 2,000 people are affected, making it a rare disease. This corneal dystrophy affects both men and women and in the vast majority of patients it is a bilateral keratoconus, ie it affects both eyes.

The entire population of the world are susceptible to the disease, but the Asian population appear to be more prone than others are at getting the disease. Often diagnosed in adolescence, this eye condition reaches its most advanced stage between 20 and 30 years old.

Triggering factors of the disease

The causes of keratoconus are still unknown. According to the United States National Keratoconus Foundation, Keratoconus may result from a combination of multiple factors. Family history seems to particularly affect the patient’s chances of developing this disease. Likewise, a weak corneal hysteresis (or more simply, a so-called “soft” cornea) promotes the development of degeneration. Through the eye rubbing.

Symptoms and evolution of Corneal Dystrophy

The keratoconus has a diverse range of symptoms. They include a decreased visual acuity (which may be similar to nearsightedness) and sometimes a hypersensitive to light. This eye disease moves in a very progressive manner, but its development remains difficult to predict. Despite frequent monitoring, some patients may develop keratoconus may in an advanced stage.

As of today, it is divided into three clinical stages:

• Rough stage : The patient shows no clinical signs, no substantial impact on vision.
• The keratoconus : The patient has clinical symptoms that significantly affect their vision. The discomfort that this creates can then push the patient to rub their eyes, thereby worsening the eyes condition.
• Advanced Stage: The state of the cornea is worsening despite management and support of the disease. A corneal transplant may then be necessary.

Keep in mind that once keratoconus is already set in, it can be exacerbated by refractive surgery (ie laser vision correction). To avoid this, a pre-operative assessment is always performed. In this regard, the Michel Pop clinics offers a rigorous, comprehensive and free evaluation.

Keratoconus: frequently asked questions

Is the deformation of the cornea visible to the naked eye?

Once the patient is de profil and the disease is in an advanced stage, it is actually possible to notice the deformation of the cornea to the naked eye.

My eye is red and it’s painful. Do I have keratoconus?

This eye disease is non-inflammatory, which means it does not cause redness or pain. Consult a professional right away if your eye is red and painful as this could be the signs of another eye condition.

How do I know if I have keratoconus?

You may suffer from keratoconus and feel no discomfort. To ensure good health of your eyes, Michel Pop clinics encourage you to have regular eye exams. Corneal topography is particularly recommended. By evaluating the curvature of the cornea, this examination is able to detect the onset of keratoconus, even before the patient begins to feel any symptoms.

I’d like to have laser eye surgery, Is it possible if I have have keratoconus?

Refractive surgery is strongly discouraged in patients with keratoconus (whatever the stage of the disease). This is why topography of the eye is carried out before any laser eye operation.

How often should I have my keratoconus checked?

Twice a year. The evolution of the disease is unpredictable and requires regular monitoring.

Are there any treatments for keratoconus?

There are different alternatives for this corneal dystrophy. In 2004, the first treatment to stabilize the progression of keratoconus was born. Appointed, cross-linking treatment of the cornea, it aims to prevent the deterioration of vision but can not restore the condition of the eye. Depending on the stage of the disease, it is also possible to obtain lenses for keratoconus (preferably rigid lenses), undergo a corneal transplant or, obtain corneal rings (INTAC).

Is keratoconus contagious?

No, it is not a contagious disease.

Are certain activities not recommended for patients with keratoconus?

While some careers are not accessible to patients with keratoconus (pilot, military, firefighter, air traffic controller, etc.), this eye disease is usually not a handicap for patient’s professional or private life . Note, however, that violent sports that cause shocks are not recommended.

Why is corneal dystrophy called keratoconus?

The name of the disease originated in the Greek language, “kerato” meaning the cornea. Therefor Keratoconus refers directly to the tapered conical form that the cornea takes in the advanced stages of the disease.

Keratoconus is not a new disease, since there are scientific descriptions and references of conical corneas dating back to the 18th century. However, the exact causes of corneal dystrophy are still not know to this day. For this reason, it is essential to have your eyes regularly. A Keratoconus that is taken care of upon first being visible can be stabilized before it negatively impacts the patient’s sight.