Eye-related diseases are often neglected. Especially when it comes to eye health, compared to other health-related issues, it is often overlooked until it worsens. Timely interventions can prevent most of the eye-related disease from becoming severe. It is equally important to create awareness of the various eye diseases that could affect mankind. Usually, general information one has on eye-related issues is cataract affects the aged, glaucoma affects the middle-aged and Keratoconus, the teens. Technically, Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, thins out and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This abnormal shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, causing blurred vision, and in more advanced cases, severe visual distortion.
Studies say that keratoconus was diagnosed in approximately 2.3% of patients compared to a prevalence rate between 0.05-0.23% as reported in western countries The rate is much higher in India compared to other countries, attributable to environmental factors of increased sun exposure and high prevalence of eye rubbing due to allergies.
Keratoconus, unlike other eye disorders, is not intrinsically “dreadful,” but its progressive nature can lead to substantial disability if left untreated. Keratoconus treatment is more complicated than using corrective lenses for nearsightedness or having cataract surgery. It frequently necessitates a mix of treatments to be effective, particularly if identified in advanced stages.
Common causes and risk factors of Keratoconus.
Keratoconus, a progressive eye condition, is primarily caused by a weakening of the collagen fibers in the cornea. There are several factors that contribute its development. While the exact causes are not known, the most common factors are chronic eye rubbing, eye irritations and allergies. Other factors that contribute are genetics, hormonal changes, especially during puberty and environmental factors like UV light exposure
Early diagnosis is the key
Early diagnosis of keratoconus is critical for reducing its course and avoiding serious visual impairment. Specialised diagnostic methods, such as corneal topography, can identify minor changes in the cornea’s curvature, allowing for early intervention. If keratoconus is not detected, the problem can proceed to severe stages in which the cornea becomes too thin, resulting in corneal scarring and considerable vision loss with corneal transplant as the last resort to restore vision. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial. Delay in treatments will make the recovery process tougher as it would require consistent medical care to manage and slow down its progression. If left untreated, advanced cases can result in considerable vision impairment and perhaps total vision loss.
Treatments for Keratoconus
Basically non-surgical keratoconus treatments are
in the form of glasses and soft-corn lenses which can only mild treat it if found at its early stages. A more aggressive option for advanced cases, however, includes the larger scleral and hybrid contact lenses that vault completely over the cornea. RGP Contact
Lenses -Rigid gas permeable (RGP) provide better vision correction by essentially putting a new refracting surface on top of irregular corneas The only surgical options available are corneal cross-linking (CXL), a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultraviolet light and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) to strengthen collagen fibers in the cornea, slowing or stopping disease progression. Seldom, an implantable ring segments (Intacs), can be placed in cornea to flatten it and reduce irregular astigmatism that results vision enhancement; while simple severe cases might demand for a corneal transplant procedure known as keratoplasty.
Doctor’s Advice on Prevention and Treatment Doctors recommend treatments and preventive measures based on the condition of the patient
Subjective symptoms: Some early signs of keratoconus, notably astigmatism and positional issues in the spectacle correction of myopia or hyperopia may not manifest symptoms but can be uncovered by an experienced eye care practitioner during a routine examination.
No eye rubbing : Doctors advice not to rub eyes as it is a bad thing related with counter progression of the disease.
UV-protective sunglasses: Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can decrease the chance of sun-related risks.
Balanced diet: Maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help your cornea stay healthy.
To sum it up, it s important to diagnose keratoconus early and manage it with prompt treatment. Timely treatment is crucial to preserve vision and manage keratoconus effectively.
