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Keratoconus is an eye condition that alters the shape of your cornea. It’s not common, affecting less than 1% of the population in the United States, but the change in the shape of the cornea affects vision and requires treatment. The board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists at Beraja Medical Institute in Coral Gables, Florida, specialize in diagnosing and treating keratoconus and providing the care you need to improve your vision. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

• 786-899-2516

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Keratoconus Q & A

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What is keratoconus?

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Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects your cornea, which is the clear, front portion of your eye. Your cornea allows light into your eye and plays a role in the clarity of your vision.

With keratoconus, your corneal tissue thins and bulges outward, turning your normally dome-shaped cornea into more of a cone shape. The change in the shape of your cornea alters the direction of light as it enters your eye, affecting your vision. 

Common symptoms of keratoconus include:

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• Blurry vision

• Increased sensitivity to light

• Difficulty driving at night due to glare

• Need for frequent eyeglass prescription changes

 

The change in the cornea affects both eyes and often starts during the teen years or early adulthood. The condition progresses slowly, usually over a 10 to 20-year period. 

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What causes keratoconus?

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Doctors are still investigating what causes keratoconus. However, you may be at risk of an eye condition if it runs in your family. You may also be more at risk if you have eye allergies that cause you to rub your eyes vigorously. 

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How is keratoconus diagnosed?

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The ophthalmologists and optometrists at Beraja Medical Institute conduct comprehensive eye exams when you come to the office with concerns about keratoconus. During your exam, your doctor reviews your medical history and symptoms and performs various eye tests, such as:

• Eye refraction

• Slit-lamp exam

• Keratometry

• Corneal mapping

Your doctor measures the curvature of your cornea, which is used to diagnose and monitor keratoconus. 

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How is keratoconus treated?

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The team at Beraja Medical Institute specializes in the treatment of keratoconus and develops personalized treatment plans based on the severity of your symptoms and how quickly your cornea is changing. 

If your symptoms are mild, the team recommends eyeglasses to correct your vision changes. The experienced team also offers gas permeable contact lenses to correct vision changes caused by the eye condition.

Your ophthalmologist may also suggest other treatments to improve your vision and the shape of your cornea, such as Intacs®, which are devices that are surgically implanted and help flatten your cornea. If your symptoms are severe or you have corneal scarring, your doctor may recommend a corneal transplant.

For comprehensive care for your keratoconus, contact Beraja Medical Institute by phone or request an appointment online today.

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