Keratconus

What Is Keratoconus and How Does It Affect Your Vision?

Keratoconus affects 1 in every 2000 Australians, and it affects men and women equally. It is a condition where the cornea becomes thinner and bulges into a cone-like shape.
This irregular shape bends light unevenly, causing blur, ghosting and glare that glasses don’t fully correct.

How Keratoconus Develops

Keratoconus is more likely to occur if you have a family history of keratoconus. It typically begins in the teenage years or early adulthood.Keratoconus can be induced by chronic eye rubbing. 
It is often associated with itchiness and/or allergies.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

• Blurred or “ghosted”/double outlines that glasses don’t fully correct
• Increased light sensitivity and night-time glare/halos
• Frequent prescription changes (often more astigmatism)
• Distortion of straight lines; reduced contrast
• Eye rubbing—often after screens, reading or during allergy seasons

What Happens If Keratoconus Isn’t Addressed?

Without proper management, keratoconus can progress, leading to increasing blur and astigmatism, as well as reduced best-corrected vision with glasses. 
Contact lens intolerance may occur if the shape becomes very irregular.

You may develop corneal scarring or swelling, which may require surgery in the short term or surgical intervention in the long term, when the cornea becomes so distorted that it necessitates replacement.

Keratconus FAQ’s

Q: What is keratoconus and what causes it?
A: Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the normally round cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but genetics, eye rubbing, and certain medical conditions may contribute.

Q: What are the common symptoms of keratoconus?
A: Symptoms include blurred or distorted vision, sensitivity to light, frequent changes in glasses prescription, ghosting or halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night.

Q: Can keratoconus be corrected with glasses or contacts?
A: In the early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may help. As the condition progresses, specialised contact lenses such as rigid gas permeable (RGP), scleral lenses, or hybrid lenses are often required for clearer vision.

Q: Is keratoconus painful or dangerous?
A: Keratoconus doesn’t usually cause pain unless there’s a complication, like corneal scarring or swelling. It isn’t dangerous if monitored and managed, but without treatment, it can severely affect vision.

Q: What treatments are available for keratoconus?
A: Advanced treatments include corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) to slow progression, custom contact lenses, and in severe cases, corneal transplant surgery. Early diagnosis offers the best outcomes.

Get the proper fit and protect your vision for the future

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• Eye Examinations: The first step in detecting and preventing eye disease.
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• Spectacle Lenses: Keep your prescription up to date for clear, comfortable vision.