At Warm Springs Optometric Group in Fremont, CA, we offer keratoconus diagnosis and treatment services. Proper diagnosis and treatment both slow the progression of this condition, which can greatly interfere with your vision when ignored. It may also cause irreversible blindness. We have state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled optometrists to take care of your vision needs.
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition characterized by corneal thinning and outward bulging that forms into a cone shape. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye and normally has a round shape. There are no direct known causes of keratoconus. However, environmental and genetic problems are thought to be somehow associated with the condition. There are also risk factors that can increase the chances of developing keratoconus. These include:
- Having conditions like down syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Coming from a family with a history of keratoconus
Keratoconus can affect both eyes differently, where it can be more advanced in only one eye.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Some of the most common symptoms of keratoconus include having trouble seeing during the night, seeing halos, sensitivity when it comes to bright light, clouded vision, and eye irritation. Symptoms of keratoconus usually appear during a person’s late teens. Symptoms may progress for another 20 years, then slow down.
Before treatment, an optometrist conducts various tests to diagnose the condition and determine its extent. Different tests may need to be performed, such as corneal topography, slit lamp exam, and pachymetry. A person may develop astigmatism and nearsightedness during the early stages of keratoconus, which may be corrected using soft contact lenses or eyeglasses. When the disorder progresses to the point that the cornea has changed its shape and thinned significantly, an eye doctor may prescribe rigid gas permeable contact lenses. A corneal transplant might be needed for some cases, too.
Corneal crosslinking is a type of surgery used in the treatment of keratoconus. It is particularly useful where other vision correction methods don’t give the desired outcomes. While this treatment cannot make the cornea regain its normal shape, it prevents the worsening of vision. If not treated, keratoconus can cause permanent vision damage.
Unfortunately, keratoconus cannot be cured completely, but it can be managed to slow its progression. A person suffering from keratoconus will require frequent checkups from an optometrist.
Visit Warm Springs Optometric Group in Fremont, CA, for Keratoconus Treatment
Although keratoconus has no cure, it can be controlled to avoid significant vision interference. At Warm Springs Optometric Group in Fremont, CA, we offer keratoconus treatment to improve your vision and prevent more severe problems like vision loss. We always evaluate our patients thoroughly before treatment to make sure we address the condition in the best way possible. Call us at (510) 490-0287 to talk to our optometrist.