DEFINITION
Keratoconus is a change in shape (thinning) of the cornea that occurs gradually, so that the shape resembles a cone.
CAUSES
The cause is unknown. Keratoconus is more often found in contact lens wearers and people with farsightedness.
Research shows that keratoconus is likely to occur due to the following:
SYMPTOMS
Keratoconus occurs when the center of the cornea thins and gradually protruding outwards so that its shape resembles a cone.
This disorder causes a change in the curvature of the refracting power of the cornea. As a result there astigmata and moderate to severe nearsightedness.
Keratoconus can also cause swelling and the formation of scar tissue that blocks vision.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis based on symptoms and the results of the examination of the cornea with a slit lamp.
To determine the curvature of the cornea can be performed corneal topography. In advanced stages of keratoconus, corneal thinning can be measured by pachymetry.
TREATMENT
Keratoconus usually affects both eyes. At first, the patient can improve eyesight by using a glass eye. But in line with the worsening astigmata, patients should use the contact lenses to reduce astigmata and to better eyesight.
In most cases, the cornea will return stable a few years later without ever causing severe vision problems. But in about 10-20% of patients, corneal eventually forming scar tissue or can not tolerate contact lenses.
If this is the case, it is necessary to transplant the cornea.
Keratoconus is a change in shape (thinning) of the cornea that occurs gradually, so that the shape resembles a cone.
CAUSES
The cause is unknown. Keratoconus is more often found in contact lens wearers and people with farsightedness.
Research shows that keratoconus is likely to occur due to the following:
- Congenital corneal abnormalities
- Eye injury (for example, eye rubbing or wearing hard contact lenses for many years)
- Certain eye diseases (such as retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy, vernal conjunctivitis)
- Systemic disease (eg Leber's congenital amaurosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and Down syndrome)
SYMPTOMS
Keratoconus occurs when the center of the cornea thins and gradually protruding outwards so that its shape resembles a cone.
This disorder causes a change in the curvature of the refracting power of the cornea. As a result there astigmata and moderate to severe nearsightedness.
Keratoconus can also cause swelling and the formation of scar tissue that blocks vision.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis based on symptoms and the results of the examination of the cornea with a slit lamp.
To determine the curvature of the cornea can be performed corneal topography. In advanced stages of keratoconus, corneal thinning can be measured by pachymetry.
TREATMENT
Keratoconus usually affects both eyes. At first, the patient can improve eyesight by using a glass eye. But in line with the worsening astigmata, patients should use the contact lenses to reduce astigmata and to better eyesight.
In most cases, the cornea will return stable a few years later without ever causing severe vision problems. But in about 10-20% of patients, corneal eventually forming scar tissue or can not tolerate contact lenses.
If this is the case, it is necessary to transplant the cornea.
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