Keratoconus is the thinning and steepening of the cornea. Your cornea is the front part of the eye that acts as the window. It helps focus light on your retina to form clear images. Keratoconus is a genetic condition that leads to heightened light sensitivity. 

It's common symptoms include cornea thinning, impaired vision, and progressive cornea bulging. You may see halos, blurriness, ghosting close to light sources, and shortsightedness.

Keratoconus Stages 

The advancement of keratoconus happens in different degrees and can vary for each eye. Its progression is more rapid during the onset.

Keratoconus progression can occur between age 40 and 45 and then stabilize. However, individuals who are 50 or older can also experience progression. Average progression occurs between the first 15 to 20 years after the onset of the disease. Below are the keratoconus stages.

Early Keratoconus

The early stage of keratoconus is where the corneal has slight distortion. It has little effect or none on your vision. At this stage, prescription glasses can correct astigmatism and myopia to give you adequate sight. Soft contact lenses, toric and spherical correction are good options for sporting activities or general use.
 

In the early stages of keratoconus corneal cross-linking (CXL) should be considered. This simple procedure utilizes riboflavin, vitamin B2, and ultraviolet light to strengthen the fibers in the cornea and prevent progression of keratoconus. 

Moderate Keratoconus

At this stage, corneal changes and distortions increase. Your vision quality will begin to decrease even with spectacles. Your vision will improve by using  specialty rigid contact lenses. They cover the irregularity on your cornea with their regular and hard surface. It also helps neutralize 90 percent of the distortion on your cornea. 

You can experience better contrast and a substantial reduction in flaring and ghosting. The contact lenses have a focusing power that compensates for astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. As a result, your vision becomes better.

Hybrid lenses are stable and comfortable because of their soft surrounding. Specialty soft contacts, for keratoconus, help in some mild to moderate cases. Emergency eyeglasses can be used as a backup if you lose your contacts or experience sudden irritation, but they will not give 100 percent better vision.

Ideally, visit your eye doctor for regular reviews to check if the condition is still progressing or is under control. They will make necessary changes to the contact lens power and fit. They will also check to see if your eyes are healthy and the vision is stable.

Advanced Keratoconus

This stage entails moderate corneal changes and substantial distortion. There is also mild scarring on the cornea. Contact lenses can fit, but there may have to be significant changes in their design. They may need to have a curvature much steeper on the inside. The structure will help maintain a proper fitting.

Scleral rigid gas permeable or large miniscleral contact lenses can also be beneficial if your cornea has an unusual shape. They are ideal because they vault over the cornea. They improve comfort and stability.

Severe Keratoconus

The cornea becomes dramatically distorted with substantial thinning and scarring. You may experience poor vision even if you wear specialty contact lenses. You will experience a reduced tolerance to contact lenses as it will be challenging to fit them. You may need to see an experienced and highly qualified professional to perform corneal transplants.

For more about keratoconus or to schedule an appointment, call Clarity Vision at (919) 367-2832 to reach our office in Apex, North Carolina.