Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea gradually deteriorates such that the shape changes from a dome to a cone-like configuration. The change in corneal curvature leads to declining visual clarity.

Cause of Keratoconus

Eye specialists have not determined the cause of keratoconus. Keratoconus can be inherited, but many patients with the disease to not have a family history of the disease. Research indicates allergies or eye rubbing may contribute to the deterioration of the cornea’s shape.

Keratoconus Symptoms

Early symptoms of keratoconus include blurred vision that can’t be corrected with glasses. Patients with keratoconus are typically nearsighted (myopic) and can have high degrees of astigmatism.

Treatment of Keratoconus

In its mild to moderate form, the blurred vision caused by keratoconus can be corrected with a rigid, gas permeable contact lens.

More advanced cases may benefit from corneal surgery, such as corneal transplant.

Newer treatment options also include:

• Intracorneal ring segments (Intacs) -- placed within the corneal stroma to reshape the cornea towards a more normal curvature

• Corneal cross-linking -- ultraviolet light and riboflavin are used to stiffen the collagen within the cornea to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus

Duke offers treatment for keratoconus and other types of corneal degeneration at the Duke Eye Center locations near Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Winston-Salem, and other parts of North Carolina. Learn how to make an appointment.