Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an ocular disorder that causes the cornea to become thin and bulge outward. As a result, you may experience blurry or distorted vision that can affect your daily life. At Livermore Optometry Group in Livermore, CA, we provide eye exams to diagnose this condition and develop a treatment plan that can preserve your vision. 

What is Keratoconus?

The cornea or eye lens is typically dome-shaped, however, keratoconus causes the outer layer of the lens to slowly bulge and thin, creating a cone shape that causes vision problems. This disorder is typically seen in young adults and its cause is unknown.

What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

Keratoconus can cause a variety of symptoms that can vary from person to person. Some of these symptoms include:

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Increased light sensitivity
• Needing to change eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions frequently
• Halos and glare around lights
• Itchy or irritated eyes

Diagnosing Keratoconus

Our optometrists will perform a thorough eye exam to accurately diagnose keratoconus. The exam usually includes the following:

• A visual acuity test
• Corneal topography
• Additional tests to determine and evaluate the shape, thickness, and integrity of the cornea

While keratoconus has no specific cause, those with a family history or eye allergies may have a greater chance of developing the disorder.

Treatment for Keratoconus

If keratoconus is detected early, our optometrists can prescribe specialized contact lenses to help improve the blurriness or distorted vision. It is essential that this condition is treated immediately because if scarring occurs on the cornea, it may become permanent and you may need surgical correction. If the condition worsens, we utilize collagen cross-linking to help slow the progression of keratoconus and a cornea transplant to improve vision.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

Whether you have mild or severe blurriness, an eye exam helps identify the root cause of the visual problem. Keratoconus usually progresses slowly over time, and while it may stabilize, it may also become worse. At Livermore Optometry Group in Livermore, CA, we offer comprehensive eye exams to monitor and assess your condition and to adjust your treatment as needed. To learn about our treatments or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (925) 447-3883 today.