When you have your next visit with your eye doctor in Hoffman Estates, be sure to mention if you are experiencing any unusual eye problems. Keratoconus describes a condition in the eye where the cornea cannot hold its normal shape, which is smooth and round. Symptoms of keratoconus should not be ignored because if left untreated, this condition can advance rapidly and result in extreme loss of vision.
Recognizing Symptoms
A common symptom of keratoconus is discomfort in the eye. You may find yourself rubbing your eye frequently, blinking more often, and experiencing dry eyes. Some people afflicted with keratoconus will find that they constantly squint, and may experience blurry or double vision. Having to change your eye prescription frequently is also a symptom of this condition.
Diagnosing Early
For optimal outlook for the health of your eye, early detection and treatment is ideal and can slow the progress of keratoconus. By noticing symptoms early on, you can speak to your eye doctor. Some scientists feel that there is a genetic link to keratoconus. If you know of a family member diagnosed with this condition, it is vital that you remain vigilant for signs and symptoms and receive regular eye screenings. If your doctor suspects you have keratoconus, he may refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Getting Treatment
Specializing in surgical care for the eyes, ophthalmologists are able to treat keratoconus using a variety of techniques. For early stages of the disease, sometimes soft contact lenses or corrective glasses are enough to alleviate a patient’s symptoms. When the shape of the cornea becomes too pointed, it may become uncomfortable or impossible for a patient to wear contact lenses. In these cases, a procedure that forces the cornea to flatten toward its correct shape may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves the insertion of what are called INTACS into the cornea. By adjusting the cornea’s shape, patients are sometimes able to wear corrective contacts, or will have their vision corrected by the INTACS themselves as they help return the cornea to its natural shape.
