Keratoconus is a corneal disease that occurs when the normally round dome-shaped cornea (the clear outer area of the eye) progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop. Typically diagnosed during adolescence and early adulthood with a variable rate of progression.The bulging or “cone-shaped” protrusion is caused by the normal pressure of the eye pushing out on the thinned areas of the cornea. Since the cornea is responsible for refracting most of the light coming into your eye, an abnormal-shaped cornea can create reduced visual acuity and affect the way you see. This reduced visual acuity can make even simple daily tasks, such as driving, watching television or reading, difficult to perform.
Causes And Risk
The cause is Unknown. Keratoconus is more common in contact lens wearers and people with nearsighted eyes. Some researchers believe that allergy may play a role.
Symptoms
The earliest symptom is subtle blurring of vision that is not correctable with glasses. ( Vision is generally correctable to 20/20 with gas permeable contact lenses ).
This is how a patient with Keratoconus sees the Letter A.
Keratoconus is a progressive disease that starts as a simple problem of astigmatism ( like above ),
It can progress to
Corneal Scaring or Even Total Corneal Opacity (Hydrops)