What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes and often begins during a person's teens or early 20s.

The cornea is the clear, outer layer of the eye. It's responsible for focusing most of the light that comes into the eye. In a healthy eye, the cornea has a dome shape, like a ball. With Keratoconus, the structure of the cornea is not strong enough to hold this round shape, and it bulges outwards.

What Causes the Change?

The exact cause of Keratoconus is unknown, but it's believed that genetics and environmental factors are involved. A family history of the condition can increase the risk. It's also associated with excessive eye rubbing, certain allergies, and other systemic diseases.

"Understanding the nature of Keratoconus is the first step towards managing its effects on vision and quality of life."

As the cornea's shape becomes more irregular, it causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism to develop, creating problems with distorted and blurred vision. Glare and light sensitivity also may be noticed.