Do normal contact lenses feel uncomfortable to wear? Have you needed to frequently change your vision prescription over the past few years? This could be due to a condition known as keratoconus. At Vision 3C Specialists in San Antonio and Floresville, TX, our ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats this condition using state-of-the-art technology. We'd be honored to help you learn how to manage it.
What Is Keratoconus?
Your cornea is the clear half-dome tissue that sits over the colored part of your eye. It helps refract light into the eye at the proper angle so you can see. If a person has keratoconus, their cornea begins to thin, bulge, and become more conically-shaped over time. This disrupts the way light enters the eye and can distort vision.
It's not entirely clear what causes keratoconus. A leading theory is that certain people are genetically predisposed to have an imbalance of enzymes in their corneal tissue, making it more susceptible to oxidative damage and subsequent tissue malformation. Additional risk factors for keratoconus include excessive exposure to UV radiation and excessive eye rubbing.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Chief signs and symptoms of keratoconus include:
• Blurry vision
• Eye redness, itchiness, and irritation
• Heightened sensitivity to glare and bright light (photophobia)
• Visual distortions, such as straight lines appear wavy
Keratoconus symptoms usually first show up when a person is in their late teens and early twenties. Symptoms can affect one or both eyes and worsen over the course of one to two decades. During this time, a person may notice that he or she needs to update vision prescriptions often, or can no longer comfortably wear regular contact lenses. Eventually, additional eye conditions, such as nearsightedness, can develop.
Treatment for Keratoconus
Keratoconus can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Our ophthalmologist can then implement treatment strategies to help you manage the condition. Techniques can include:
• Prescription eyeglasses or hard-to-fit contact lenses, such as rigid gas-permeable lenses and scleral lenses
• Orthokeratology lenses, specialized contacts worn at night that temporarily re-shape the corneas for improved day-time vision
• Eye drops or oral medications to reduce swelling, redness, or itchiness
• Lifestyle tips to help manage your symptoms, including cool or warm compresses to reduce eye discomfort
Some people undergo corrective surgery to replace the abnormal corneas. In this case, our eye doctor can provide pre- and post-operative services to ensure your eye surgery goes as smoothly as possible.
Contact us for an Appointment Today!
If you are experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, let our team at Vision 3C Specialists in San Antonio and Floresville, TX, help. We will create a personalized treatment plan that will ease your symptoms and help you see clearly. To schedule your eye exam, contact us at (210) 538-2020 today. When you need an ophthalmologist near me, we are happy to assist you!
