Contact Lenses. Eye Doctor Services, and Keratoconus Treatment from an Optometrist Near You
If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, you likely have many questions about this progressive eye condition. At Lone Star Vision in Beaumont, TX, we want to provide you with a complete understanding of keratoconus—its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Keep reading for answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What Exactly Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye disease characterized by the gradual thinning and cone-shaped bulging of the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. As the cornea weakens and becomes irregularly shaped, it cannot properly focus light entering the eye, leading to impaired and distorted vision. Keratoconus typically begins in adolescence and advances until the mid-40s.
What Causes Keratoconus?
The exact causes of keratoconus remain unclear, though research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors lead to corneal changes. Chronic eye rubbing and allergies may also contribute to disease progression. Keratoconus impacts both eyes, though often asymmetrically.
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor looks for key diagnostic signs of keratoconus like corneal scarring and thinning. Additional tests like corneal topography mapping and pachymetry to measure corneal thickness help confirm the diagnosis. We closely monitor patients to track disease progression.
How Does Keratoconus Affect Vision?
As keratoconus worsens, vision distorts and blurs. Nearsightedness and astigmatism increase as the cornea thins and steepens. Impairment ranges from mild to severe, in advanced cases causing legal blindness. Since vision changes rapidly, regular eye exams are imperative.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Keratoconus?
In early stages, rigid gas permeable contact lenses can improve vision by conforming to the irregular corneal shape. More advanced disease may require collagen cross-linking to strengthen the cornea or corneal ring implants. If vision loss is profound, a corneal transplant surgery may be the best option.
Get an Eye Exam, Contact Lenses, and Eye Doctor Services from an Optometrist Near You
Don’t let keratoconus interfere with your sight—call us at Lone Star Vision in Beaumont, TX, today to schedule a comprehensive exam. We’re committed to preserving your vision and independence through compassionate eye care every step of the way. Call us at (409) 896-5700 for an eye exam, contact lenses, and eye doctor services from an optometrist near you.