The clarity of our vision shapes our daily experiences, allowing us to connect with the world and appreciate its nuances. When this clarity is compromised, it can significantly impact our lives. One such condition that affects vision is keratoconus, a progressive eye disorder that warrants careful understanding and timely intervention.
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the structure of the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. In individuals with keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This abnormal curvature prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
The condition usually starts during the teenage years or early adulthood and may progress slowly for several years. In its early stages, vision may be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. As the condition advances, more specialized treatment may be needed.
How Common Is Keratoconus?
Globally, keratoconus affects approximately 1 in every 2,000 people, although recent studies suggest it may be more common due to improvements in diagnostic technologies.
In the Philippines
A study published by the Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology (2020) noted that out of 40 patients diagnosed at the Philippine General Hospital, 98% had keratoconus in both eyes. This suggests that although underdiagnosed, keratoconus is a real and present concern among Filipinos, especially in underserved areas. Yet, due to limited access to corneal imaging technologies in rural clinics, many cases remain undetected until the disease is already advanced.
Symptoms: What Should You Look Out For?
Keratoconus symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Early signs often resemble those of other refractive errors, making diagnosis tricky without specialized tests.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Sensitivity to bright lights and glare
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing halos or ghosting, especially around lights
- Eye strain or headaches from trying to focus
In advanced stages, vision may deteriorate significantly even with corrective lenses.
What Causes Keratoconus?
The exact cause of keratoconus remains unknown, but several risk factors have been identified:
Genetic Predisposition
If a family member has keratoconus, the risk of developing the condition increases. Around 10% of people with keratoconus have a close relative with the disease.
Chronic Eye Rubbing
Consistently rubbing the eyes—often due to allergies or irritation—has been linked to the weakening of corneal tissue. Children and adolescents with allergic conjunctivitis are especially at risk.
Underlying Conditions
Keratoconus is more common in individuals with:
- Down syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
Environmental Factors
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and oxidative stress may also play a role.
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
Timely diagnosis is crucial in managing keratoconus. An early diagnosis can help slow progression and preserve vision.
Key Diagnostic Tools:
- Corneal Topography: Creates a detailed map of the cornea’s curvature to detect even subtle changes.
- Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea.
- Slit-Lamp Examination: A detailed visual assessment of the cornea under high magnification.
In specialized centers in the Philippines like Shinagawa, these diagnostic tools are routinely used to ensure early detection and effective treatment planning.
Living With Keratoconus
Though it’s a chronic condition, many patients with keratoconus continue to live full, active lives.
Tips for Management:
- Schedule regular eye exams, especially if symptoms worsen.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Use prescribed allergy medications if needed.
- Wear sunglasses to protect against UV exposure.
- Consider vision therapy if recommended by your ophthalmologist.
Some patients may experience emotional or psychological distress, especially young adults. In such cases, emotional support from family or support groups is helpful.
Best Approach for Keratoconus
Keratoconus may be a life-altering condition, but with early diagnosis, modern treatment options, and a proactive approach to eye care, many Filipinos can maintain good vision and quality of life.
At Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, we are committed to providing cutting-edge diagnostics to see if one has keratoconus or other corneal disorders.
Our expert ophthalmologists and state-of-the-art equipment ensure that patients receive world-class eye care right here in the Philippines. We can check if you may have Keratoconus or some other eye condition.
If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained changes in vision, schedule a Comprehensive Eye Screening with Shinagawa today. Early detection makes all the difference.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology. “Clinical Profile of Keratoconus Patients at the Philippine General Hospital, https://paojournal.com/index.php/pjo/article/view/17“
- Wikipedia. “Keratoconus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratoconus“
- Oculus. “New Study Published Establishing Higher Pediatric Keratoconus Prevalence, https://www.oculus.de/us/news/2024/new-study-published-establishing-higher-pediatric-keratoconus-prevalence/“
- Mayo Clinic. “Keratoconus, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keratoconus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351352“
- The Eye and Ear Foundation. “Everything You Want to Know About Keratoconus, https://eyeandear.org/2024/02/everything-you-want-to-know-about-keratoconus/“