Several eye conditions can cause vision problems. Keratoconus is one of the lesser-known conditions that patients at our office have questions about. At the Eye Care Center in Charlotte NC, we provide treatment for various vision issues, including keratoconus. Below are some common questions that we receive about the condition.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus results in a deformed cornea that causes it to bulge outward and affect vision. It will bludge out in a cone shape.
How Does Keratoconus Affect Vision?
The condition changes your eyes' ability to refract incoming light to process data. The distorted shape of the cornea causes light to focus on the wrong part of the eye. This affects vision and can lead to further complications.
What Causes Keratoconus?
The leading cause of keratoconus is weak corneal tissues. Other contributing factors include excessive rubbing of the eyes, genetic factors, UV light exposure, eye injuries, and allergies.
When Does Keratoconus Appear?
Keracatonus is usually first developed in the later teen years or early adulthood. It can continue to get worse over time.
Are There Corrective Lenses for Keratoconus?
There are specialized contact lenses that can help correct keratoconus compared to glasses or standard soft contacts. Scleral contacts are an excellent option for keratoconus. The oversized lenses can extend over the cornea instead of resting on it. The lenses compensate for irregular corneas. Ortho-K lenses can be worn to reshape your cornea overnight, making them a functional alternative to glasses and contacts.
What are Treatments for Advanced Keratoconus?
We may refer you to advanced treatments for advanced keratoconus. For example, corneal cross-linking is used to help support the corneal tissues. Riboflavin is a nutrient delivered to the cornea to stimulate new collagen growth. There are also implants called Intacs that will physically support the corneas. An extreme case could call for a corneal transplant.
Contact the Optometry Specialists at Eye Care Center for Keratoconus Treatment
Keratoconus can be managed with a variety of treatments. The professionals at the Eye Care Center in Charlotte, NC are here to help you with all of your vision-related issues. An optometrist from our team will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether or not your vision issues are due to keratoconus and recommend treatment accordingly. Call us today at (704) 541-5500 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor.