Keratoconus symptoms,Causes & Treatment

At Iris Eye Care, Varanasi, we offer early diagnosis and highly advanced treatment of keratoconus with the most modern medical technology and personalized care. From mild symptoms to severe vision problems, our expert staff is ready to protect and restore your vision through comprehensive diagnosis, innovative procedures such as Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), INTACS®, and when necessary, corneal transplant surgeries.
Your eyes are the windows to the world—critical for daily life and life’s dearest moments. Yet, eye conditions like keratoconus can take a big toll on your vision, your quality of life. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the better the results.
At Iris Eye Care, Varanasi, we believe in delivering personalized diagnosis and latest treatment for keratoconus with modern technology and care.

Keratoconus is an eye disease that progresses when the normally rounded, dome-shaped cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) slowly thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This irregularity causes light not to focus correctly on the retina, resulting in blurred, distorted vision.

Why is the Cornea Important?

The cornea operates similar to a camera lens, curving and directing light onto the retina. An evenly curved, healthy cornea produces sharp, clear vision. When keratoconus distorts its shape, visual sharpness is affected.

Although the precise cause is not always certain, a number of risk factors are associated with keratoconus:

Age: Typically occurs between 10 and 30 years old.
Genetics: Family history greatly raises the risk.
Recurrent Eye Rubbing: Weakens and damages corneal tissue.
Chronic Allergies: Eye irritation and itching can lead to disease progression.
Medical Conditions: Linked to Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other connective tissue diseases.

As the cornea’s shape changes, vision issues become more apparent and can include:

• Irregular Astigmatism
• Causes blurred or distorted vision
• Glasses are no longer able to fully correct vision
• Progressive Nearsightedness (Myopia)
• Increased inability to see far-away things
• Need for frequent changes in prescription lenses
• Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
• Discomfort or glare under bright lighting
• Visual Distortions
• Straight lines appear wavy
• Things appear stretched or double
• Poor Night Vision
• More glare and halos around lights
• Discomfort or glare under bright lighting

Symptoms typically begin in one eye and may progress to both. Watch out for:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Rapid changes in eyeglass prescription
• Eye strain or frequent headaches
• Light sensitivity
• Double vision (monocular diplopia)
• Halos or glare around lights
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night

Early detection is crucial—visit an eye specialist if you experience any of these signs.

At Iris Eye Care, Varanasi, we use state-of-the-art diagnostics to ensure early and accurate detection.

Key Diagnostic Tests:

• Visual Acuity Test – Measures sharpness of vision
• Slit Lamp Examination – Evaluates the cornea under high magnification
• Keratometry – Assesses corneal curvature
• Corneal Topography – Creates a 3D map of the corneal surface
• Pachymetry – Measures corneal thickness

These tests help determine the severity and progression of keratoconus, allowing for personalized treatment planning.

Although there is no permanent cure, effective treatment can improve vision and slow progression.

1. Glasses & Contact Lenses (For Mild to Moderate Cases)

• Eyeglasses – Effective in the early stages
• RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) Lenses – Provide sharper vision by masking corneal irregularities
• Hybrid Lenses – Combine comfort of soft lenses with clarity of RGP lenses
• Scleral Lenses – Ideal for advanced keratoconus; they vault over the cornea for maximum comfort and clarity

2. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

A breakthrough treatment to halt disease progression

• Minimally invasive: Uses UV light and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) drops
• Purpose: Strengthens corneal fibers to prevent further thinning
• Benefits: Reduces or eliminates the need for corneal transplant
• Recovery: Ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks

3. Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (INTACS®)

• Surgical option to reshape the cornea
• Involves placing tiny curved inserts in the cornea
• Helps flatten the cone and improves lens fit
• Outpatient procedure with short recovery time

4. Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)

• Recommended for advanced or scarred corneas
• Diseased cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue
• High success rate but recovery takes months
• Post-surgery, patients may need corrective lenses

Although not fully preventable, these steps can reduce the risk or slow progression:

• Avoid eye rubbing
• Manage allergies and use antihistamines if needed
• Protect eyes from trauma with safety glasses
• Get regular eye check-ups, especially if there’s a family history

With the right treatment and care, individuals with keratoconus can live full, active lives. Many maintain good functional vision through specialty lenses or minor surgical intervention.