Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea begins to thin and bulge outward. The result is a cone-shape that causes blurry vision. If you have noticed the symptoms of this condition, you are not alone. Many people experience blurriness. Livermore Optometry Group in Livermore, CA, provides professional testing and treatment for this condition. Whether you have mild or severe blurry vision, an eye exam can pinpoint the root cause of the problem.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

The most common symptom of keratoconus is blurry vision, but some people experience glare and sensitivity to light as well. You might also notice distortions in vision even when wearing glasses or contacts that grow significantly worse in a short period of time. Generally, you will notice symptoms in both eyes, but one eye may be more blurry than the other. You should make an eye exam appointment if you notice reduced vision or if your glasses or contact lenses don't seem to work the way they used to.

Diagnosis

Blurry vision occurs when the cornea changes shape, becoming more like a cone than part of the sphere of the eye. This is something our eye doctors can check for during your routine eye exam. We will measure the arc of your cornea and check for variations since your previous eye examination. If the corneal structure is exceptionally curved, our optometrists may recommend further testing. There is no specific cause for how keratoconus develops, but we often see patients with a family history of the condition. Eye allergies, excessive eye rubbing, and connective tissue disorders can also lead to keratoconus.

Treatment for Keratoconus

If keratoconus is caught in its early stages, we may recommend specialty firm contact lenses to improve your vision. A cornea transplant may be necessary if your condition worsens significantly. Some people may also benefit from collagen cross-linking, which can prevent the disease from worsening to the point where you might need a transplant. It is important that you get treatment for this condition right away, as scarring of your cornea can be permanent. If your cornea becomes scarred, you may require a cornea transplant to improve your vision.

Visit Us for Your Next Eye Exam in Livermore, CA

At Livermore Optometry Group in Livermore, we are dedicated to providing our patients the care they need to manage conditions like keratoconus. We offer a wide range of optometry services to help patients manage their eye health at any stage of life. Call our clinic today to schedule your next appointment or to learn more about our clinic.