The clear, dome-shaped part of your eye is called the cornea. Keratoconus is a medical condition affecting the cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a conical shape. Due to the distorted field of vision, Keratoconus can cause vision problems like light sensitivity and blurry vision. Because there is no way to tell how and when this condition will progress, understanding the warning signs is key to preserving your sight. Knowing what to look for can alert you to seek treatment from an eye expert like Dr. Melanie Frogozo and reduce your chances of severe eye problems and needing a cornea transplant. Here is a look at five signs that indicate you may have Keratoconus.
Blurry or Distorted Vision
Keratoconus can take years to evolve into its late stages. In some cases, however, it can progress rapidly and cause sudden swelling and scarring in the cornea. This scar disuse can cause the cornea to become less smooth and clear, making your vision blurry and distorted. Blurry or distorted vision is, in fact, the most common first symptom of Keratoconus. It can worsen as the condition progresses, ultimately leading to double vision and visual distortions where curves appear straight or vice versa.
Worsening Astigmatism and Nearsightedness
Keratoconus changes the shape of your cornea, which can affect the refractive properties of your eyes. This can lead to worsening astigmatism or nearsightedness (myopia). Usually, this is resolved by getting new eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription. However, your eyes may continue to lose focus as the condition progresses, requiring more often-than-regular prescription changes.
Irritated and Reddening Eyes
The swelling and scarring of your corneal tissue can have uncomfortable side effects like irritation. This, combined with the changing shape of your eyes, can cause you to rub your eyes often to alleviate the irritation. This can then lead to frequent eye reddening. Moreover, you may experience swelling around your eyes, depending on the severity of the eye rubbing.
Light Sensitivity and Halos
As mentioned earlier, Keratoconus can make you highly sensitive to light. This acute sensitivity can worsen as the condition progresses, forcing you to only venture outside with a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes from intense light. It may also cause you to see halos around everyday objects and glare from non-shiny objects. Simply put, bright colors may appear extreme and dim colors may have a glare around them that only you can see.
Difficulty Wearing Contact Lenses
Because Keratoconus alters the shape of your cornea, it can make it difficult for you to wear your contact lenses. The entire experience can become very uncomfortable, even when rigid lenses are replaced with soft options. You may also notice that your prescription is blurry.
Get Keratoconus Treatment and Save Your Eyesight
Keratoconus can appear in your late teens to early 20s and progress slowly into your 30s, with worsening or constant symptoms. While the condition often affects both eyes, it can cause different and evolving symptoms in each eye, causing different visions. This is why discussing blurry vision, distortions, and light sensitivity with your eye doctor is important. They can evaluate your symptoms, determine if you have Keratoconus, and begin treatment immediately.