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How Keratoconus is Hurting your Eyes

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017, 6:02 am

Eye Exams Cape Giradeau MOIf streaking lights, seeing double, and blurred vision sound familiar, you may need to get your eyes checked out. Sometimes these symptoms point to a larger problem like keratoconus. Keratoconus is an eye disease that occurs when small protein fibers, called collagen, lack the strength to hold the structure of the cornea together. The result is a bulging cone-shaped cornea that can create a plethora of vision problems.

The symptoms

If you notice any of the following signs of keratoconus, be sure to schedule an eye exam. Keratoconus is associated with vision problems like blurred vision, seeing triple or double ghost images, lights streaking, distorted objects, or seeing halos around bright lights.

Keratoconus will change your ability to see in two distinct ways. First, as your cornea changes from a dome to the cone shape, the cornea surface will become wavy. This is what is known as irregular astigmatism. Second, as the area of the cornea expands, it will become more difficult to see far way objects.

What your doctor can do

At your eye exam, your doctor will measure the shape of the cornea or take a ‘cornea topography’ photo to analyze the area. In mild cases, you may merely require a new pair of glasses or contacts. Those with keratoconus typically use rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Other treatments can be used to strengthen the cornea and your eyesight. A specialized laser treatment called PTK can smooth out the rough edges of your cornea, allowing your contacts to sit more comfortably.  Another treatment called cornea collagen crosslinking is used to prevent keratoconus from progressing. If none of these procedures make a difference, you may require a cornea transplant.

Those with keratoconus cannot get LASIK. Even those with the mildest cases should never get this procedure.  LASIK will weaken the cornea and do the opposite of what you are trying to achieve by making your vision worse.

Why you need regular eye exams

The best way to discover keratoconus or any other vision problems is to make sure you have regular eye exams. At Marion Eye Center & Optical, we understand the importance of healthy and clear vision. Schedule your next eye exam today by contacting our team at 1-800-344-7058 (IL) or 1-877-269-4545 (MO).

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Category: Eye Condition


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