About keratoconus
Keratoconus causes blurred vision, irregular astigmatism and in some cases, light sensitivity. This condition occurs due to the cornea having an irregular, conical shape.
While there is no cure for keratoconus, there are effective treatment options available. These include glasses, contact lenses (soft or rigid), corneal collagen crosslinking and corneal transplantation.
Keratoconus FAQS
Keratoconus is a thinning of the cornea (the clear part of the eye). As this thinning gets worse, normal eye pressure causes the cornea to distort – bulging forward in a cone-shape which impairs vision.
It is not common. It significantly affects just 1 in 2000 people. However modern screening techniques can now pick up even the most mild cases and becasue of that it is estimate it may be present in as many as 1 in 500 people.
It usually starts in puberty and the condition can get worse up to the age of 30.
No, in most cases keratoconus stabilises during the mid to late 30s.
The symptoms include blurred or distorted vision. The affect on night vision is particularly noticeable. It is common for sufferers to squint to try and correct their vision. Because of this they can also suffer eye strain and sometimes headaches.
No, there isn’t cure. However, an experienced optometrist can managed it successfully.
No, keratoconus does not cause blindness. This condition only affects your vision, so with the care of an experienced optometrist and the right treatment there is no reason why anyone should lose their sight.
Research is still underway into the causes, but we know allergies play a role by inducing eye rubbing which thins the cornea. Genetics and family history also have been identified as causes.
It is often hereditary, with a genetic cause. So patients should always have their children and siblings checked for the condition.
Yes, it usually affects both eyes, but in most cases one eye tends to be more affected.
In the early stages of the disease, glasses or soft contact lenses can give good vision. However, as the condition progresses most patients require hard (or other) contact lenses.
Collagen crosslinking can halt the condition if started early enough.
People who can’t benefit from standard treatment options may need a corneal transplant.
What keratoconus looks like
Keratoconus causes the cornea, or the clear part of the eye, to bulge forward in a conical shape. This can be clearly seen in close-up photos of eyes with moderate to advanced cases of keratoconus.
Keratoconus advice
Get regular checkups
Because keratoconus is a progressive disease, it is important be monitored regularly by your optometrist. Have a checkup every 6-12 months.
Don’t rub your eyes
Rubbing itchy eyes can trigger keratoconus or make the condition worse. Instead, treat your itchy eyes with eye drops or anti-allergy medications. Progression of the condition can be slowed if you stop all eye-rubbing.
Getting the right lenses
Fitting customised contact lenses for keratoconus is a complex procedure, so you may need to trial several different lenses to find the one that’s right for you.
Avoid eye surgery
Eye surgery like corneal transplantation should only be considered when no other treatment options work.
Dr. Jim Kokkinakis
can help you
Dr. Jim Kokkinakis’ commitment to excellence sets him apart. He is a keratoconus specialist and Senior Lecturer at the UNSW School of Optometry where he lectures on the subject. Jim is also a Fellow of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists (ISCLS).
If you suffer from keratoconus, Dr. Kokkinakis is here to provide his expertise and knowledge. He can guide you through the various treatment options – from contact lenses to surgery – and recommend the most suitable solution for you.
Learn more about keratoconus
Diagnosed with keratoconus from the age of 13
Living with keratoconus has its challenges, but with the right support, it is manageable.
Despite having keratoconus, I have lived life to the fullest
A diagnosis of Keratoconus was not the end of the world. It simply presented a challenge.
How contact lenses helped my keratoconus
Contact lenses have been a part of Helen's life for almost 50 years and she is so grateful to have them for her vision correction for keratoconus.
I could still design and sew beautiful gowns, even with keratoconus
Carol was diagnosed with keratoconus in the 1970's, yet she went on to design and sew spectacular evening gowns.
Living with keratoconus
Our patients share their stories of living with keratoconus. See how, with careful treatment, you can thrive in spite of keratoconus.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition that causes blurred vision and shortsightedness.
