About Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the cornea which usually develops in adolescence and can have a significant effect on the lifestyle choices of individuals because of the visual problems that can develop. An associated condition, iatrogenic ectasia, can also develop in patients who have undergone refractive laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK. This can result in progressive keratoconus.

In keratoconus  the corneal tissue thins and loses strength. This results in the development of a cone-shaped bulge (ectasia) in the lower part of the cornea. The irregular astigmatism which is created by this bulge can be corrected by wearing spectacles or soft toric contact lenses. However the condition may progress to the point at which rigid contact lenses are required to provide satisfactory vision. For some patients these become difficult to tolerate and the point may be reached where contact lens fitting is no longer possible. Even if contact lenses can be worn the cornea may become opaque as a result of scarring caused by the ectasia and ultimately corneal transplantation may be required.