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Distinction in Eyewear and Eyecare

Keratoconus

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye disease in which the normally round front surface of the eye, or cornea, thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone-like shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the retina, causing distorted vision. Light-sensitivity and uncomfortable eyes can also result.

Who Gets Keratoconus?

Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes and often begins during a person’s teens or early 20s. The condition gets steadily worse as time goes by.

How Is Keratoconus Treated?

As the disease advances, regular soft contact lenses and eyeglasses may not be enough to restore best vision.

Treatments for progressive keratoconus include:

  • Corneal cross-linking (CXL)
  • Custom soft contact lenses
  • Gas-permeable contact lenses
  • “Piggybacking” two different types of contact lenses on the eye
  • Hybrid contact lenses
  • Scleral and semi-scleral lenses
  • Intacs – surgically-applied corneal implants
  • Topography-guided conductive keratoplasty
  • Corneal transplant