Eye Care
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Diseases of the Eye
Keratoconus
Keratoconus
What It Is: Keratoconus is caused when the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye, becomes misshapen. In patients with keratoconus, the shape of the cornea slowly changes from its normal, round shape to a cone shape. The condition usually affects both eyes, though it may be worse in one eye than in the other. In most cases, eyeglasses or specialized contact lenses can help correct the problem.
Signs & Symptoms: Keratoconus causes blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
Who’s at Risk: Researchers are still trying to pinpoint what causes keratoconus, but the condition usually begins during adolescence and can worsen over a period of several years after.
Attribution: Photo courtesy of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
By Andrea Craig. Published October 9, 2012. Andrea Craig is a freelance writer and editorial assistant at a national magazine in New York City.
