Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. In people with keratoconus, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and bulges outward into a cone shape, which can distort vision and cause a range of visual problems.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
- Blurred or distorted vision: This is often one of the first signs, due to the changing shape of the cornea.
- Increased sensitivity to light: You may become more sensitive to bright lights or glare.
- Frequent changes in prescription: People with keratoconus often experience rapidly changing vision, especially in the early stages.
- Ghosting or multiple images: Due to the corneal irregularity, you might see multiple images or ghosting, particularly at night.
- Eye strain: People with keratoconus may experience eye fatigue and discomfort, especially after reading or using a computer for extended periods.
Causes
The exact cause of keratoconus isn't fully understood, but several factors may contribute:
- Genetic factors: It can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
- Environmental factors: Eye rubbing, often due to allergies, is thought to increase the risk of developing keratoconus, although it's not the primary cause.
- Other conditions: It’s also associated with conditions like Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Marfan syndrome, though this is relatively rare.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:
- Glasses or contact lenses: In the early stages, vision correction with glasses or soft contact lenses may help.
- Scleral contact lenses: These are often the next step in the treatment process because they help correct the irregular shape of the cornea.
- Corneal cross-linking (CXL): This procedure involves using ultraviolet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) to strengthen the cornea and prevent further bulging. It is particularly useful in slowing the progression of the disease.
- Intacs: These are small, curved implants placed in the cornea to flatten the cone and improve vision.
- Corneal transplant: In advanced stages, if the cornea becomes severely scarred or vision cannot be corrected with lenses, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be required.
Monitoring and Prognosis
Keratoconus progresses differently for each person. In some people, it stabilizes after a period of progression, while in others, it may continue to worsen over time. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing the condition and preserving vision.
If you’re dealing with keratoconus or know someone who is, regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist are key to monitoring the condition and determining the appropriate treatment.
Oculus Keratograph:
The Oculus Keratograph is a diagnostic device used in optometry and ophthalmology to assess the health of the cornea, particularly in relation to dry eye disease, contact lens fitting, and corneal topography. It is produced by Oculus, a company known for creating instruments that assist with eye care.
Key features and uses of the Oculus Keratograph:
- Corneal Topography: The device maps the curvature of the cornea to detect irregularities or conditions such as astigmatism, keratoconus, or post-surgical changes (e.g., after LASIK).
- Dry Eye Evaluation: It can assess tear film dynamics by measuring the Tear Breakup Time (TBUT), meibomian gland function, and the ocular surface, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring dry eye disease.
- Meibography: This feature evaluates the meibomian glands (which secrete oil that helps prevent tears from evaporating), showing if they are functioning properly or if there is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
- Contact Lens Fitting: The device helps with evaluating the fit of contact lenses, ensuring they are properly aligned with the corneal surface.
- Non-invasive and Fast: The Keratograph is typically used in a clinical setting for quick, non-invasive testing without needing to touch the eye. It uses infrared light to capture images and measurements.
- Patient-Friendly: The system can also be used for patient education, as it provides visual feedback that helps patients understand their eye condition.
Additional Functions:
- Redness Score: Some versions of the Keratograph have the ability to quantify the redness of the eye, which is useful in diagnosing conditions like ocular surface inflammation or allergic conjunctivitis.
- Tear Meniscus Height Measurement: This helps assess the volume of tears present in the eye, contributing to the diagnosis of dry eye disease.
Clinical Applications:
- Diagnosing and monitoring dry eye syndrome.
- Analyzing corneal topography and astigmatism.
- Monitoring keratoconus and other corneal diseases.
- Evaluating the effects of contact lenses on the corneal surface.
- Assessing ocular surface health for patients undergoing LASIK or other refractive surgeries.
