Early Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus: What to Look For

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape can cause significant vision problems, including blurred and distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night.
 

Keratoconus typically begins in the teenage years or early 20s and can continue to worsen over time if left untreated. It is considered a relatively rare condition, affecting approximately 1 in 2,000 people worldwide. However, early detection and proper treatment are crucial to managing the condition and preserving your vision.
 

How Does Keratoconus Develop?

The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and cellular factors. People with a family history of the condition or certain systemic conditions like connective tissue disorders are at a higher risk. Over time, the weakening of collagen fibers in the cornea leads to structural changes, causing the cornea to lose its normal dome shape.
 

Visual Changes and Blurred Vision

One of the earliest and most common signs of keratoconus is a gradual deterioration of your vision. As the cornea becomes increasingly irregular in shape, it can cause significant distortion and blurring of your eyesight. You may notice that your vision becomes progressively more difficult to correct with standard eyeglasses or contact lenses. In the early stages of keratoconus, you may experience:
 

·        Blurred or distorted vision, especially when looking at straight lines or objects

·        Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription

·        Difficulty with tasks that require clear, sharp vision, such as reading, driving, or using a computer
 

As the condition progresses, the visual distortions and blurriness can become more pronounced, making it increasingly challenging to perform everyday activities.
 

Difficulty with Night Vision and Glare

In addition to blurred and distorted vision during the day, individuals with keratoconus often experience significant difficulties with night vision and glare. The irregular shape of the cornea can cause light to scatter and refract in an abnormal way, leading to:
 

·        Increased sensitivity to bright lights, such as headlights or streetlights

·        Difficulty seeing clearly in low-light conditions, such as at night or in dimly lit environments

·        Increased glare and halos around light sources
 

These vision problems can make it challenging to drive at night, navigate in poorly lit areas, or perform tasks that require good low-light vision.
 

Sensitivity to Light and Eye Irritation

Keratoconus can also cause increased sensitivity to light and general eye irritation. You may experience:
 

·        Heightened sensitivity to bright sunlight or fluorescent lighting

·        Discomfort or pain when exposed to bright lights

·        Increased eye redness, itchiness, or a feeling of dryness or foreign object sensation in the eye
 

These symptoms can be particularly bothersome and may interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.
 

Changes in Prescription and Astigmatism

As the cornea becomes more irregularly shaped, your vision prescription and the degree of astigmatism can change significantly over time. You may find that your eyeglasses or contact lenses no longer provide the clear, comfortable vision you once enjoyed. Some key changes you may experience include:
 

·        Frequent updates to your eyeglass or contact lens prescription

·        Increasing difficulty achieving clear, stable vision with standard corrective lenses
 

These changes can be frustrating and may require you to explore alternative vision correction options, such as specialty contact lenses or corneal reshaping procedures.
 

The Role of Regular Eye Exams for Early Detection and Treatment

Detecting and managing keratoconus early is vital for maintaining good vision and preventing the condition from worsening. Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential to identify the initial signs of keratoconus.
 

During an eye exam, your doctor will thoroughly evaluate the shape and curvature of your corneas, assess your visual acuity, and monitor any changes in your prescription. To get a more detailed view of your corneal structure, they may also use advanced imaging technologies like corneal topography or tomography, which create detailed maps of the cornea. These diagnostic tools help detect even subtle changes that could indicate the early stages of keratoconus.
 

If keratoconus is detected, your eye doctor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This may involve prescribing specialized contact lenses or glasses to correct your vision, or recommending corneal collagen cross-linking, a procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and slow or stop the progression of the disease. In more severe cases, advanced treatments like corneal implants or transplants may be necessary.
 

Schedule Your Eye Exam with Miller Optometry Today

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can significantly impact your vision and daily activities if left untreated. By understanding the early signs and symptoms of keratoconus, such as blurred vision, difficulty with night vision and glare, light sensitivity, and changes in your prescription, you can take proactive steps to seek medical attention and receive the appropriate treatment.
 

If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of keratoconus, schedule an eye exam with Miller Optometry. Contact our office in Yucaipa, California, by calling (909) 341-1800 to book an appointment today.