Corneal Disease Keratoconus

Keratoconus in Yuma, Arizona, is a disorder of the cornea, affecting approximately 1 in every 1000 people. This disease causes the cornea to thin. The shape of the eye gradually changes from its typical round nature to a cone-type shape on profile.

If you are interested in learning more about your treatment options for corneal disease keratoconus, we encourage you to contact us today. Request an appointment online or call (928) 782-1980 for an eye examination or to find out more.

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What causes keratoconus?

The cause of keratoconus remains unknown but the tendancy to develop it is thought to be present at birth. In addition, the incidence of occurance is greater if a family member has been diagnosed.

The irregular shape of the eye can cause substantial visual distortion. It usually is detected during adolescence and begins as farsightedness. Its progression commonly reaches its most severe state in the twenties and thirties.

How is keratoconus diagnosed?

Keratoconus can be diagnosed with an eye exam and some simple diagnostic testing. Despite its unpredictable course, keratoconus can usually be succussfully managed with rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses. When or if contact lenses cannot be tolerated or are no longer successful, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore vision.

What treatment options are available?

• Corneal transplantation. Traditionally corneal transplantation is performed for treatment of keratoconus when acceptable vision is not attainable with contact lenses or glasses. Corneal transplantation is successful in most cases, meaning that is there is a high rate of non-rejection, but the visual results are often not very good. Moreover, it often takes a year or more to attain optimal vision with a cornea transplant.