Keratoconus is a corneal ectatic disease characterized by non-inflammatory progressive thinning of unknown cause in which the cornea assumes a conical shape. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes and often begins during a person's teens or early 20s.

Keratoconus Symptoms and Signs

Keratoconus can be difficult to detect, because it usually develops slowly. However, in some cases, keratoconus may proceed rapidly. As the cornea becomes more irregular in shape, it causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism to develop, creating additional problems with distorted and blurred vision. Glare and light sensitivity also may occur.

Often, keratoconic patients experience changes in their eyeglass prescription every time they visit their eye care practitioner. It's not unusual to have a delayed diagnosis of keratoconus, if the practitioner is unfamiliar with the early-stage symptoms of the disease.

Who suffers from Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disorder found in any age. Most patients are diagnosed during the teenage years when the disease tends to evolve more quickly. The main risk factors for the disease are: 1) Genetic; 2) UV exposure; 3) Allergic conjunctivitis – usually related to eye rubbing.

Keratoconus Treatment

In the mildest form of keratoconus, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may help. As the disease progresses, the cornea thins and becomes increasingly more irregular in shape rendering glasses and soft contacts ineffective at providing adequate vision correction.

The Ferrara Ring is a surgical alternative to delay, if not eliminate, the need of lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty.