Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease, which causes a thinning of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. As keratoconus progresses within the eye, the quality of one’s vision deteriorates and contact lenses or glasses no longer become a satisfactory solution for most people. For some, an invasive eye surgery, such as a corneal transplant was the only option. Now many types of less invasive eye therapies are available to treat keratoconus.
Keratoconus affects the way light is bent by the eye, causing distorted vision. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes. Keratoconic patients often have eyeglasses prescription changes each time they visit their eye care practitioner. One common eye surgery performed at Turner Eye Institute is Intacs for Keratoconus. This eye treatment relies upon loops placed within the corneal tissue to strengthen the eye and allow the eye to focus light more accurately upon the retina.
Treating keratoconus often requires an eye doctor who is specialized in treating corneal disorders through surgery. When keratoconus reaches a stage where eye doctors that specialize in prescribing contact lenses and glasses are no longer able to provide significant help, a corneal specialist might need to be consulted.