Vision is important for any daily task and can affect one’s quality of life drastically if not well corrected. Any changes in vision should prompt a comprehensive eye exam. At Broadway Eye Clinic, our optometrists perform thorough eye examinations including a variety of tests to screen for potential eye conditions involving the front and back of the eye. If keratoconus is suspected, then available treatment options will be discussed to restore functional vision.
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the clear covering of the eye known as the cornea. In this disease process, the cornea becomes progressively thinner and bulges outward, creating a cone shape. The cornea's function is to focus how light enters the eye. If the cornea is irregular and not spherical, then light cannot refract as it should, thus, causing vision to be distorted or blurry. One of the first signs of keratoconus is the inability to read or perform normal tasks that require accurate vision.
Symptoms and Causes
The changing of the shape of the cornea can be so gradual that you may not notice any vision impairment at first or it can be sudden. As keratoconus advances, you may experience the following symptoms:
• Clouding vision
• Glare or light sensitivity
• Difficulties driving at night
• Constant changes of prescription eyewear
• Distorted vision
How is Keratoconus Treated?
Keratoconus can greatly affect your quality of life and cause normal day to day activities seem much more difficult. Fortunately, with modern technology, there are a number of treatment options available for keratoconus patients involving contact lenses. Patients who have mild signs of keratoconus may be able to see fairly clearly with glasses or soft contact lenses alone. However, most patients have moderate to severe keratoconus and should consider specialty contact lenses instead.
Our optometrists at Broadway Eye Clinic are highly trained in a variety of specialty lenses including scleral, corneal rigid gas permeable, hybrids, or custom soft lenses. After determining which would fit your lifestyle best, our doctors can help with the fitting process and restore functional vision again. Studies have reported that contact lenses can delay the possibility of corneal transplant surgeries as most patients are able to regain functional vision to some degree and can perform daily tasks again with more ease.
As keratoconus is a progressive disease, our optometrists will monitor to look for signs of changes or thinning. If it is deemed that your condition is progressing, collagen cross-linking will be recommended. Collagen cross-linking is a procedure that uses eye drops and a UV light to strengthen the tissues within the cornea to reduce the curvature.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
At Broadway Eye Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT, our optometrists are dedicated to assisting you in maintaining your vision. When symptoms of keratoconus are present, visit us to discuss your treatment options. The severity of your condition will determine what methods will be best for you. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about keratoconus, call our office at (801) 322-0467 today. When you need an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist you!
