How Does Keratoconus Affect the Eye?

Keratoconus is a disorder that can cause a number of general symptoms, many of which might be mistaken for other conditions. We’ll look at exactly how it occurs and what you can expect if you’re diagnosed with it.

A Thinning Cornea

The cornea is the surface of your eye. It’s clear, shaped like a dome, and affects how you perceive light and color. With keratoconus, the cornea starts to thin and become more of a cone than a dome. As the cornea bulges, your eye becomes more sensitive to light and glare. Optometrists in Riverdale, NJ can tell you more about how the disorder is affecting your vision specifically.

This condition usually occurs in both of your eyes, but likely will be worse in one of your eyes. The condition is a gradual one that can build up over decades, and may start in people as young as 10 years old. There is no known cause but it has been linked to anything from family history to habits of rubbing your eyes.

What Can You Expect from Keratoconus?

In the beginning, you might not expect very much to change as the disorder can take a while to develop. You might have some blurriness or clouding, but the initial effects are likely to be pretty easy to correct. Most vision problems can be solved with either contacts or glasses.

However, as the disease progresses, you might notice your eyes getting worse. Your prescriptions may change frequently and you may have problems driving at night due to light sensitivity. Some people may be able to correct these issues through hard contact lenses. However, the most advanced stage of keratoconus may require a cornea transplant.

When to See an Optometrist in Riverdale, NJ

If you notice serious changes to your eyesight, it’s always a good idea to see an optometrist. Your doctor will be able to examine your eye and look for the tell-tale signs of keratoconus. If you’ve already been diagnosed with the condition, they can let you know how it’s progressing and whether it’s time for a different prescription or treatment. If you’re looking for keratoconus treatment in Riverdale, NJ, our optometrists can offer solutions at every stage of the disorder.