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Light enters the eye via the cornea, the clear front tissue of the eye. In rare instances, the cornea protrudes forward into a cone. Typically, the cornea is dome-shaped. Even with standard soft contact lenses, and glasses, the cornea’s distortion prevents it from focusing light properly, resulting in keratoconus. Keratoconus in Philadelphia might worsen during adolescence and early adulthood. This article will help you comprehend the causes of keratoconus and the common symptoms to look out for.
What Causes Keratoconus?
Your cornea is composed of microscopic collagen fibers. Once the connections between these fibers crumble, the cornea loses its regular, sleek shape and becomes cone-shaped. Keratoconus has a recognized genetic connection, so if you or a family member is diagnosed with keratoconus, you should visit your optometrist regularly.
However, studies show that only a small percentage of individuals with keratoconus will have a family relative with the disorder. Besides the hereditary predisposition, some doctors believe rubbing the eyes can exacerbate corneal distortion. An exceptionally high proportion of keratoconus patients report a desire to rub their eyes; thus, your doctor may recommend pharmaceutical eye drops to alleviate the itch.
What Are The Warning Signs Of Keratoconus?
Keratoconus symptoms typically manifest when the disorder is advancing, particularly between adolescence and early adulthood. The most prevalent symptom is impaired, fuzzy vision, which worsens over time. Although keratoconus is quite a rare condition, it is crucial to note that several other more prevalent eye disorders share many of these symptoms.
Thus, you must have a thorough examination to acquire an appropriate diagnosis. Keratoconus cannot be diagnosed based just on its symptoms. Objective clinical indicators and measurements necessitate the knowledge of an ophthalmologist. Nonetheless, here are some common signs to watch out for:
1. Vision Changes in One Eye
During the condition’s early stages, a patient’s eyeglass prescription can undergo several alterations in a relatively limited period. One of the defining characteristics of keratoconus is that even with current glasses, vision is frequently impaired in one eye. Nevertheless, squinting could momentarily enhance vision.
2. Near and Far Objects Appear as a Blur
Even with the greatest soft contact lenses or eyeglasses, individuals with keratoconus frequently complain of impaired vision at all distances. This disease is known as “irregular astigmatism,” affecting near and distant vision.
3. Undefined Night Vision
Patients with keratoconus usually have trouble seeing in dim illumination, such as while driving at night. Even with upgraded soft contacts and eyeglasses, it is very uncommon for persons with keratoconus to see numerous images and halos, particularly at night.
4. Eye Itchiness
Itchy eyes are not indicative of keratoconus on their own. However, if your eyes are so irritating that you frequently rub them and you exhibit the previously listed symptoms, there is a greater chance that you might have keratoconus.
Keratoconus is a degenerative eye condition affecting the cornea. This condition causes it to become abnormally thin or malformed, protruding outwards. If you are experiencing or have previously had all the symptoms discussed above, you should seek a professional eye exam to establish a diagnosis and rule out keratoconus. For individuals with this condition, you can explore various care options, ranging from specialized contact lenses to surgical operations.
