Understanding Keratoconus: Causes, Symptoms, and the Latest Treatments

If you have never heard of keratoconus before, you are not alone. It's not exactly a household name, but for the people living with it, this eye condition can greatly impact daily life. So, what is keratoconus, and what can you do if you are diagnosed with it?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder in which the normally round cornea thins out and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. Since the cornea is responsible for focusing most of the light that enters the eye, any distortion in its shape affects vision, often making it blurry, distorted, or more sensitive to light.

What Causes Keratoconus?

The exact cause of keratoconus isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe it's a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors. If someone in your family has it, your chances of developing it are higher. People with certain conditions, like Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or asthma, may also be more prone.

Chronic eye rubbing is another potential contributor. Though it seems harmless, constantly rubbing your eyes, especially if you have allergies, can weaken the corneal tissue over time. Now you can get Keratoconus treatment in Gurgaon. 

Recognising the Symptoms

Symptoms of keratoconus often appear in the late teens or early twenties and may progress for the next 10 to 20 years. Early signs include blurred or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. 

Some people notice ghost images or halos around lights, especially at night. Traditional glasses or soft contact lenses might not help much as the condition advances. That’s when many patients seek further intervention.

The Latest Treatment Options

Thankfully, advances in eye care have introduced a variety of treatments to manage keratoconus, many of which were not available just a decade ago.

One of the most significant breakthroughs is corneal cross-linking. This minimally invasive procedure involves applying riboflavin (a form of vitamin B2) to the eye and then activating it with UV light. The process strengthens the collagen fibres in the cornea, helping to halt the progression of the disease. 

It doesn’t reverse existing damage, but it can stop things from getting worse. If you suspect that you may have this condition, then you can now get keratoconus treatment in Gurgaon Sector 56. 

For those with more advanced keratoconus, scleral lenses or rigid gas-permeable lenses can provide clearer vision by creating a smooth surface over the irregular cornea. In severe cases, where vision cannot be corrected with lenses or cross-linking, corneal transplant surgery may be recommended. Being diagnosed with keratoconus can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s important to know that you are not alone and you have options. With early detection and the right treatment plan, many people with keratoconus live full, active lives with good vision. Now you can get Keratoconus treatment in Gurgaon Sector 55.