Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder, and it causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward into a cone shape. This structural change distorts light entering the eye, which leads to blurred vision and sensitivity to light. While the exact cause remains unknown, doctors diagnose the condition by observing these specific changes in corneal shape. Here is more information about the types and stages of keratoconus:
Mild Cases
In the earliest stage of keratoconus, the cornea shows only slight changes in curvature. Glasses or soft contact lenses typically correct the minor vision distortion that occurs during this phase. Patients may experience slight blurring or double vision, though these symptoms may go unnoticed. Because the thinning is minimal, routine eye exams detect these subtle irregularities before they significantly affect daily life.
Sometimes patients have difficulty driving at night or get glare from oncoming headlights. Standard vision tests might not reveal the full extent of the issue, so eye doctors use corneal topography for detailed mapping. This diagnostic tool creates a precise map of the cornea’s surface curvature. The data allows specialists to monitor minor progression over time effectively.
Moderate Cases
As the condition advances, the cornea becomes more irregular, and astigmatism increases significantly. Glasses no longer provide adequate vision correction because the corneal surface is too distorted. Special contact lenses replace standard glasses, and they mask the irregular shape effectively. These lenses create a smooth surface over the uneven cornea, which restores sharper vision for the patient.
Advanced Cases
In advanced keratoconus, the cornea thins dramatically and develops significant scarring near the apex of the cone. Vision becomes severely distorted, and standard contact lens fittings become increasingly difficult or impossible. Scarring occurs when the steep cone rubs against the eyelid or breaks the internal layers of the cornea. Patients may struggle with daily tasks because their vision fluctuates throughout the day.
At this point, doctors explore surgical options to reshape or support the weakened corneal structure. Inserts can be placed within the corneal layers to flatten the cone. This procedure improves the fit of contact lenses, yet it rarely eliminates the need for them entirely. Some patients experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvements over several months.
If scarring blocks vision centrally, a corneal transplant becomes the necessary course of action. Surgeons remove the damaged center of the cornea, and they can replace it with healthy donor tissue. While recovery takes time, this surgery restores clear vision for many individuals with advanced disease. The success rate for corneal transplants is generally high among keratoconus patients.
Severe Cases
Severe keratoconus is the final stage, in which the cornea is dangerously thin and extremely steep. The risk of corneal hydrops, a sudden break in the inner layer of the cornea, may increase substantially. Fluid rushes into the cornea, which causes sudden swelling and a white clouding of vision. Pain accompanies this swelling, and immediate medical attention is required to manage the symptoms.
Severe cases typically display these specific characteristics:
- Extreme corneal thinning
- Significant central scarring
- Drastically reduced visual acuity
Get Treated for Keratoconus
Keratoconus affects everyone differently, and treatment plans vary based on the specific stage of the condition. You should schedule an appointment with an eye care professional if you notice changes in your vision. Early detection opens the door to less invasive treatments like cross-linking. Contact an optometrist today to discuss your options and protect your vision.
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