Keratoconus Clinic – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What is Keratoconus?
For many of us, words that refer to our eyes seem like something in a foreign language. Ask someone on the street where their cornea is and they are likely to point to the eye, but not be able to tell you much more than that. Keratoconus is an eye disease in which the normally round cornea changes shape and bulges into cone causing a host of issues.
It All Starts with the Cornea
Your cornea is the transparent layer in front of your eye. It is your own built-in protective screen against the elements of the world. However, there are various effects of keratoconus that can impact both its functionality and your vision. What happens is that as the cornea changes in shape, it causes greater nearsightedness and even astigmatism along with blurred vision and light sensitivity.
When Does it Occur
Generally, it can begin to occur in a person’s teens or twenties. This is why going to your eye specialist doctor regularly is always a good idea because the earlier you catch it, the better your treatment options are. Research is not exactly clear why the disease may occur, but the general consensus is that it happens because of an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea.
Other risk factors include ultraviolet ray damage, excessive rubbing of the eyes and poorly fitted contact lenses. A good sign that you may have the problem is that you have to change your prescription every time you visit the optometrist.
Diagnosis
Nowadays, there are a variety of methods for doctors to diagnose whether you have the disease or not. If you have been experiencing some trouble with your eyes, your doctor will perform a range of tests including a vision field screening, refraction test, and a slit-lamp examination. All of these are methods that can determine the shape of your cornea and what is the best course of action.
Treatment
There is a range of treatment options available for you and what you choose depends on the severity of the condition. Nowadays, there are a range of prescription glasses and contact lenses which can be fitted to correct keratoconus if caught early. If you have a particularly strong case, then you may elect to undergo surgery.
Although many people buckle at the word “surgery,” these days, most corneal surgeries are quick outpatient procedures and you can be in and out of the clinic in under an hour. The most serious cases may require a corneal transplant. These have been proven to be extremely successful in curing the condition, but of course, recovery time is much longer.
The Quick Keratoconus Clinic
Keratoconus is a common eye disease that affects millions of Americans. Fortunately, there is an incredible range of options out there for treating it. If you have been suffering from any vision problems and think you may be suffering from the condition, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor right away. The San Diego Keratoconus Clinic at Eyelux Optometry specializes in treating this disease. Even if it is not keratoconus, they can help you understand what might be causing the problem and get your back on the road to clear sight!
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