Keratoconus is a condition that causes bulging and eventual thinning of the central cornea potentially severely compromising one’s vision.

Keratoconus usually starts during teenage years. It can, though, begin in childhood or in people up until about age 30. It is less common in people over 40. Constant eye rubbing, typically associated with chronic allergies may exacerbate the condition.

Changes in the shape of the cornea can happen quickly or may occur over several years. These changes can result in blurred vision, glare, halos at night, and the streaking of lights. The changes can stop at any time, or they can continue for decades. There is no way to predict how the disease will progress. In most people who have keratoconus, both eyes are eventually affected, although not always to the same extent. It usually develops in one eye first and then later in the other eye.

Treatment can start with corrective eyeglasses but over time the vision can deteriorate to the point where glasses are of no benefit. Many patients can improve their vision using custom contact lens technology. Here at Wyomissing Optometric Center, the use of scleral contact lenses can improve a keratoconus patient’s vision. Scleral lenses are larger than soft lenses and are made with gas permeable materials. We have found that scleral lenses have dramatically improved the lifestyle of those patients with keratoconus.

If you have keratoconus or know someone with keratoconus and is struggling to see, please consider scheduling a consultation at Wyomissing Optometric Center. You may be visually surprised.