Condition
Keratoconus
Progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape, causing distorted vision, ghosting, and light sensitivity. Typically diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.
Overview
Understanding Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — gradually thins and bulges outward into an irregular cone shape. This distortion causes light to scatter as it enters the eye, resulting in blurred, distorted vision that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses.
The condition typically begins in the teenage years or early twenties and may progress over 10–20 years before stabilising. In early stages, keratoconus may be mistaken for simple short-sightedness or astigmatism, with patients needing frequent prescription changes.
Diagnosis is made through corneal topography mapping, which reveals the characteristic thinning and steepening pattern. Miss Tina Khanam uses advanced imaging including Pentacam tomography to detect even very early keratoconus that may not be visible on standard examination.
Management depends on the stage of the condition. Mild cases may be managed with glasses or specialist rigid contact lenses. Corneal cross-linking can halt progression in early-to-moderate cases. Advanced keratoconus may require referral for corneal transplant surgery.
Symptoms
Signs You May Notice
If you are experiencing any of these signs, a consultation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
- Distorted or warped vision
Straight lines may appear bent or wavy
- Ghosting or double vision
Seeing multiple overlapping images, especially at night
- Light sensitivity
Increased glare and difficulty with bright lights
- Frequent prescription changes
Rapid changes in glasses prescription, especially astigmatism
- Difficulty with night vision
Halos, starbursts, and streaking around lights
Causes
What Causes This
- Genetic factors — keratoconus runs in families in approximately 10% of cases
- Chronic eye rubbing, which may trigger or accelerate the condition
- Connective tissue disorders (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan syndrome)
- Allergic eye disease, particularly atopic keratoconjunctivitis
Risk Factors
Who Is at Risk
- Family history of keratoconus
- Chronic eye rubbing (especially vigorous rubbing)
- Atopic conditions — eczema, asthma, hay fever
- Down syndrome
- Age of onset typically 10–25 years
Important
When to Seek Help
Consider booking a consultation if you notice any of the following:
- Your vision is becoming increasingly blurred or distorted
- You need to change your glasses prescription very frequently
- Your optician has mentioned irregular astigmatism or suspected keratoconus
- You have a family history of keratoconus and are experiencing visual changes
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Keratoconus cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed. Corneal cross-linking can halt progression, and vision can be corrected with specialist contact lenses or, in advanced cases, corneal transplant surgery.
No. LASIK and other corneal laser procedures are not suitable for patients with keratoconus, as they thin the cornea further and can worsen the condition. This is why thorough pre-operative screening including corneal topography is essential before any laser surgery.
Keratoconus typically progresses during the teens and twenties, then stabilises by the mid-30s to 40s. However, progression is unpredictable. Corneal cross-linking can be performed to halt progression if the condition is worsening.
Concerned About Your Eyes?
Miss Khanam provides thorough, unhurried consultations to assess your condition and discuss the best treatment options for your situation.
Take the First Step
Understanding your condition is the first step toward clear vision. Your consultant is here to provide expert guidance, honest advice, and compassionate care.