Keratoconus And Contact Lenses | Diagnosis, Cure & Complications

Keratoconus is an eye disorder affecting the cornea (front part of the eye), causing it to progressively thin and ultimately bulge outwards into a cone shape rather than a typical round cornea. The bulging outwards of the cornea may result in blurry vision, nearsightedness, irregular astigmatism and double vision. Although keratoconus does not cause blindness, it can have significant impacts on our vision and our everyday life tasks such as watching tv, shopping, reading a book or even cause dry eyes.

Keratoconus diagnosis can happen by routine eye tests with optometrists who will use a combination of visual acuity/refraction, retinoscopy and slit lamp to detect any early signs of keratoconus.

Keratoconus is an eye disorder affecting the cornea (front part of the eye), causing it to progressively thin and ultimately bulge outwards into a cone shape rather than a typical round cornea. The bulging outwards of the cornea may result in blurry vision, nearsightedness, irregular astigmatism and double vision. Although keratoconus does not cause blindness, it can have significant impacts on our vision and our everyday life tasks such as watching tv, shopping, reading a book or even cause dry eyes.

Keratoconus diagnosis can happen by routine eye tests with optometrists who will use a combination of visual acuity/refraction, retinoscopy and slit lamp to detect any early signs of keratoconus.

Management for Keratoconus in Australia in the early stages will usually be correctable with glasses. As the disease worsens and progresses special hard contact lens fitting may be needed for adequate vision. Treatments for keratoconus exist surgically through corneal cross linking or potentially corneal transplants if the keratoconus is extremely late staged and advanced. These previous managements/treatments for keratoconus act to stabilise vision and slow down/prevent further progression and complications but unfortunately there is no cure for keratoconus.

One of the biggest tips for any keratoconus or suspect keratoconus we would like to leave with you is to NEVER RUB YOUR EYES. The cornea is extremely moldable and if you have a habit of rubbing your eyes this could result in keratoconus or the worsening of your astigmatism and potential scarring of the cornea.

If you suspect that you might have keratoconus, book an eye test with us today.

By Lawrence K.

Optometrist at 1001 Optical

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Management for Keratoconus in Australia in the early stages will usually be correctable with glasses. As the disease worsens and progresses special hard contact lens fitting may be needed for adequate vision. Treatments for keratoconus exist surgically through corneal cross linking or potentially corneal transplants if the keratoconus is extremely late staged and advanced. These previous managements/treatments for keratoconus act to stabilise vision and slow down/prevent further progression and complications but unfortunately there is no cure for keratoconus.