Keratoconus
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Keratoconus
is an eye condition that causes your cornea to become thinned and raised. The cornea is the clear surface of your eye. You may have vision loss in one or both eyes. Keratoconus occurs most often in adolescents and adults 20 or older. The cause of your keratoconus may not be known.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Blurry vision or difficulty seeing objects that are far away
- Eyeglass prescriptions that need to be changed or adjusted often
- Eye pain
Seek care immediately if:
- You suddenly lose your vision.
- You have sudden vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision, or seeing halos around lights.
- You develop sudden, sharp eye pain.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for keratoconus
will depend on how severe it is. Treatment may include any of the following:
- Eyeglasses help improve your vision.
- Contact lenses are fitted to your eyes to help shape your cornea. This will help your eyes see and feel better. Wear contacts only as directed so that you do not cause more damage to your eyes. Ask for more information on how to insert and remove contacts carefully.
- Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. Surgery can be used to fix the shape of your cornea so that you can see better. Surgery may be used to place permanent supports that will correct the shape of your cornea. Your cornea may need to be replaced if other treatments do not work.
Manage keratoconus:
- Wear contacts or glasses as directed.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Too much time in the sun without eye protection may cause your condition to get worse.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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