Keratoconus · What Is It, Causes and More

Keratoconus refers to a non-inflammatory condition in which the cornea (i.e., the thin, transparent, protective layer of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber) becomes gradually thinner and protrudes in a cone shape. Keratoconus is a progressive disorder that typically presents with blurry vision or a sudden decrease in visual acuity in the second decade of life. The condition ultimately affects both eyes and can lead to significant vision impairment. 

Although the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, various risk factors have been identified, which include a positive family history of keratoconus, and a personal history of genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome (i.e., Trisomy 21); Marfan syndrome (i.e., a connective tissue disorder that can affect the skeleton, blood vessels, especially the aorta, eyes, and lungs); and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (i.e., a connective tissue disorder characterized by stretchy skin, easy bruising and super flexible joints). Additionally, keratoconus is more common in individuals with a history of other eye conditions, such as aniridia, where there is an absence of part or all of the iris, and blue sclera, where the white outer layer of the eye is blue. Finally, excessive or chronic rubbing of the eyes can also increase the risk of keratoconus. 

Signs and symptoms of keratoconus include visual impairment. Keratoconus typically causes refractive errors (i.e., eye problems due to abnormal eye shape), myopia (also known as nearsightedness), irregular astigmatism, or abnormal cornea curvature. The cornea may bulge outward in a cone shape. 

Rarely, people with keratoconus may present with acute hydrops, characterized by pain in the affected eye, photophobia (i.e., intolerance to bright light), and reduced vision. 

Diagnosis of keratoconus includes several eye exams that can detect the abnormal shape and thinning of the cornea and help confirm the diagnosis. Direct ophthalmoscopy and retinoscopy allow the clinician to visualize the retina or the back of the eye. In direct ophthalmoscopy, a characteristic “oil droplet” reflex can be seen in individuals with keratoconus, while in retinoscopy, those with keratoconus typically have a “scissoring” reflex. Slit lamp biomicroscopy can examine the structures at the front of the eye and inside the retina. The keratoconus slit lamp examination can reveal abnormal fine, vertical lines in the cornea, called Vogt striae. Another essential exam in detecting and monitoring patients with keratoconus is corneal topography, an imaging technique that provides a detailed visual of the corneal surface. 

Treatment of keratoconus usually involves wearing eyeglasses or soft contact lenses to correct refractive errors. Rigid contact lenses may be needed if astigmatism is more severe. Avoiding eye rubbing is recommended. As the disease progresses, other treatment methods may improve vision. These include corneal collagen cross-linking where riboflavin eye drops are used, followed by ultraviolet light treatment to the cornea that causes it to become stiffer, thereby preventing further shape changes. 

In severe cases when there is severe corneal scarring and thinning and contact lenses no longer help, keratoplasty (i.e., corneal transplantation) may be required. The most common surgical procedure is penetrating keratoplasty or full-thickness corneal transplant.

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition characterized by a cone-shaped protrusion of the cornea leading to vision impairment. Risk factors include family history, genetic syndromes, other eye conditions, and excessive eye rubbing. Keratoconus typically presents with refractive errors and outward bulging of the cone-shaped cornea. Although it initially involves only one eye, eventually, both eyes may be affected. Diagnosis is based on several eye exams, including corneal topography. In the early stages, treatment includes eyeglasses or soft contact lenses, while in severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary.