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Keratoconus
 Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. The cornea is the clear, central part of the surface of the eye. As the cornea becomes more irregular in shape, it causes progressive nearsightedness and astigmatism resulting in distorted and blurred vision. Glare and light sensitivity also may be noticed. Keratoconic patients often have frequent prescription changes.
Causes of Keratoconus
Although many theories have been proposed, there is no definite known cause of keratoconus. Possible causes include genetics, a collagen deficiency, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, or excessive eye-rubbing.
Sign and Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus often begins to develop in the teen years to the early 20s, although it can develop at any age. Changes in the shape of the cornea occur gradually, usually over several years. In most patients with keratoconus, both eyes eventually become affected.
Keratoconus can be difficult to detect because it usually develops very slowly. Signs of keratoconus may include:
- Distorted and blurred vision
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Double vision
- Headaches due to eye strain
- Glare
- Light sensitivity
Your doctor will measure the curvature of your cornea to determine whether these symptoms are a result of keratoconus.
Treatment
In the early stages of keratoconus, glasses or soft contact lenses may help to correct the nearsightedness and astigmatism associated with the disease. As the condition progresses and the cornea becomes increasingly thin, more advanced treatment is required.
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Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses – If eyeglasses or regular soft contact lenses cannot control keratoconus, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses are usually the preferred treatment. The rigid lens covers the cornea, replacing the cornea's irregular shape with a smooth, uniform refracting surface, improving vision.
Rigid contact lenses can be less comfortable to wear than soft lenses. Further, fitting contact lenses on a cornea with keratoconus can be challenging and time-consuming. If you are using RGP contact lenses, you will need to visit your doctor frequently to fine-tune the fit and prescription of the lenses, especially if your keratoconus continues to progress.
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 INTACS –INTACS are plastic rings inserted into the mid-layer of the cornea to flatten it, changing the shape and location of the cone. INTACS may be needed when the distorted vision from keratoconus can no longer be corrected with contact lenses or eyeglasses. Intacs inserts remodel and reinforce your cornea, eliminating some or all of the irregularities caused by keratoconus in order to provide you with improved vision. The implants are removable and exchangeable. The placement of Follow-up visits will be required to monitor the healing process and evaluate the visual benefits of the procedure. Even after a successful procedure, glasses or contacts still may be required to provide you with good vision. Dr. Dean Dornic is one of the most experienced Intacs surgeons in the mid-Atlantic region. To find out if you are a candidate for Intacs arrange asurgical consultation. For more information on Intacs for the treatment of keratoconus, visit www.intacsforkeratoconus.com
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