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Keratoconus

An eye condition in which your cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front of your eye, gets thinner and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape.

Keratoconus

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that changes the shape of the cornea. Normally, the cornea is smooth and round; over time, people with keratoconus develop a thin, cone-shaped cornea. When light enters the eye, this abnormal shape prevents the light from focusing directly on the cornea, causing blurry or distorted vision.


Keratoconus usually emerges early in life; it is commonly diagnosed in teens and young adults. It occurs in both eyes, although each eye may be affected differently. During the early stages of the disease, vision can be corrected with prescription spectacles. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea will continue to thin out and change shape. In the later stages of the disease, rigid contact lenses can effectively correct vision, but in some cases surgical intervention is necessary to maintain useful vision.


There is an increasing number of options in the management of keratoconus that can be tailored to each individual depending on the shape of their cornea and their visual requirements which are expanded upon in the tabs under 'Keratoconus' above.

What are the symptoms of Keratoconus?

Keratoconus usually develops slowly, which can make it difficult to detect. Early symptoms include: 

  • Blurry vision

  • Ghost images 

  • Sensitivity to light

 

People with keratoconus tend to update their lens prescription frequently due to continual changes of the shape of the cornea.

What are the causes of Keratoconus?

The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown. However, there are risk factors associated with keratoconus, including: 

  • Family history of the disease 

  • Near-sightedness 

  • Chronic eye irritation 

  • Wearing contact lenses 

  • UV exposure

Professor James Myerscough 

Leading Cataract surgeon

Practice Locations

Southend Private Hospital

15 - 17 Fairfax Drive

Westcliff on Sea, Essex

SS0 9AG

​

Tel: 01702 963008

info@jamesmyerscough.co.uk

Spire Hartswood Hospital

Eagle Way Great Warley

Brentwood, Essex

CM13 3LE

​

Tel: 01702 963008

info@jamesmyerscough.co.uk

Copyright © 2023 James Myerscough, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Southend Private Hospital. All rights reserved.

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