Keratoconus
Corneal shape indicating Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an inherited disorder which occurs in about 1:3000 people. It is a recessive condition, requiring genetic factors to be inherited from both parents, so the chances of the children of a person with keratoconus also having the condition are low (about 1:50).
Keratoconus usually becomes apparent between the ages of 10 & 25 years, and is sometimes associated with such conditions as:
- Allergies
- Infantile eczema
- Asthma
- Reduced night vision
- Double jointness
- Rare occasions of short bouts of chest pain
Symptoms
The initial symptoms are blurred vision. As the condition progresses, the shape of the cornea becomes irregular and it is not possible to treat with spectacles alone. In such cases, Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) can be used to provide good vision.
Because the cornea continues to change shape, it is important to have regular examinations to ensure the contact lenses are fitting correctly.
Treatment
Keratoconus cannot be treated with drugs, but glasses and contact lenses can give good vision. Surgery can be used to treat severe cases.
In approximately 85% of the cases, keratoconus gradually stabilises by 35 years of age. The remaining 15% may need a corneal graft. A corneal graft (keratoplasty) is an operation in which the thinned area of the cornea removed and replaced by normal tissue from a donor cornea. The success rate for corneal grafts is extremly high, although most people will still need spectacles and / or contact lenses.
The Contact Lenses we use are the latest in computer design, that requires the Corneal topographer to accurately measure the entire shape of the eye, and then match this shape with a rigid gas permeable contact lens ( Cone-Move).
