What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
Blurring and distortion of vision are the earliest symptoms of keratoconus. Symptoms usually appear in the late teens and early twenties. The disease will often progress slowly for 10 to 20 years then stop. In the early stages, vision may be only slightly affected causing glare, light sensitivity and irritation. Each eye may be affected differently. As the disease progresses and the cornea steepens and scars, the vision may become more distorted. A sudden decrease in vision can occur if the cornea swells. The cornea swells when the elastic part of the cornea develops a tiny crack, created by the strain of the cornea s protruded cone-like shape. The swelling may persist for weeks or months as the crack heals and is gradually replaced by scar tissue. How is keratoconus treated? Mild cases are successfully treated with glasses or specially designed contact lenses. When vision is no longer satisfactory with glasses or contact lenses, surgery is recommended. This may be accomplished with ne
