Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an irregular protrusion of the cornea, the clear surface over the colored part of the eye. It is similar, structurally, to the crystal of a watch. If this crystal or windowpane is not smooth, the light will not bend evenly and an irregular image will be formed. Like looking through a bumpy piece of glass.
Keratoconus is a slowly progressive condition often presenting in the teen or early twenties with decreased vision or visual distortion. This condition is typically not associated with redness, inflammation or other "acute" symptoms and therefore may go undetected for long periods of time. Over 90% of patients have involvement of both eyes, though it is not unusual for there to be asymmetric changes, with one eye being more involved than the other. In most cases the cornea is the only part of the eye that is abnormal. Family history of keratoconus is seen occasionally.
During the early stages of this disease, vision may still be correctable to 20/20 with glasses. The only clue to a keratoconus diagnosis may be from corneal measurements or a corneal topography map (see maps to the right). A topographical map of the cornea will show the high and low spots on the cornea, much like a topographical map of the earth will show the mountains and oceans.
As this disease progresses, vision will no longer be correctable with glasses. Iron will deposit around the base of the protrusion. The tissue will thin and a Vogt's Striaes may develop . In severe cases, a temporary painful condition called acute hydrops (see right photo) may occur when water rushes into the thinned area of the cornea. This can lead to severe scarring .Corneal transplant or penetrating keratoplasty surgery should be considered if other treatment methods fail.
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