There are many eye conditions that can affect the vision, and keratoconus is one of them. When this eye condition starts, the patient may be young. It can cause many symptoms and create several vision problems for patients. An optometrist can diagnose this condition during eye exams. When you need eye care from an eye doctor for this or any other eye condition, you can call our optical center in Yucaipa, CA, for family eye care. Get your contact lens exams, eyeglasses exams, and any other optometry services with us at Miller Optometry.

What Is Keratoconus?

This optical condition affects the cornea of the eyes. The cornea is located on the outside of the eye and consists of a clear protective layer. It acts as a strong barrier to keep dirt, debris, and germs our of the eye. It sits on the front of the eye and is shaped like a dome. If a patient starts to develop keratoconus, this protective layer gets thinner and thinner and eventually develops an outward bulge that is located on the surface of the front of the eye. Eventually, it becomes shaped like a cone. As this cone takes shape, the patient's vision will start getting blurry. They will also have a higher sensitivity to glare and light. Patients usually start to develop this condition when they are ages 10 to 25. It can keep getting worse slowly for at least the next 10 years. 

Stages of Keratoconus 

The condition often starts slowly, and in these beginning stages, vision can be corrected using soft contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, the condition will continue to get worse. As it does, it may require rigid lenses or scleral lenses to correct the vision. As the condition gets more advanced, it may require getting a cornea transplant to get vision corrected sufficiently. A new treatment for the condition does exist today that can slow down the progression of it or even stop it. It's known as corneal collagen cross-linking. 

See an Optometrist on Our Team for Your Eye Care

Whether you need contact lens exams, or other eye exams, our family eye care center can give you the optical care you need. If you may have keratoconus, or you have already been diagnosed with it, you come see an eye doctor on our team. Call our optometry center at (909) 797-0134 in Yucaipa, CA, to make your appointment with an eye doctor. We at Miller Optometry are here to help.