Keratoconus

WHAT IS KERATOCONUS?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. The condition causes the cornea to thin and gradually bulge outward into a cone shape, which can distort vision and cause significant visual impairment. The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms of keratoconus include blurry or distorted vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Treatment options for keratoconus include specialized contact lenses,
such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses, which can help improve vision and reduce discomfort. In more advanced cases, surgical procedures such as corneal collagen cross-linking or corneal transplantation may be necessary to preserve vision. Early detection and treatment are important in managing keratoconus and minimizing vision loss.

 

WHAT CAN AN OPTOMETRIST DO FOR KERATOCONUS?

Keratoconus management requires the expertise of an optometrist. We can provide various services to help improve patients’ quality of life. Here are some of the ways that optometrists can assist patients with keratoconus:

  • Monitor the condition: Optometrists can perform comprehensive eye exams to diagnose keratoconus and keep track of its progression over time.
  • Prescribe specialized contact lenses: Optometrists can provide specialized contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses, to improve vision and alleviate discomfort for patients with keratoconus.
  • Offer education and resources: Optometrists can provide education on proper contact lens hygiene and maintenance to prevent complications such as infections, which are more common in patients with keratoconus who wear contact lenses.
  • Address any complications with the condition: Optometrists can monitor patients for complications such as corneal scarring, which can occur in more advanced cases of keratoconus.
  • Refer patients to essential medical care: Optometrists can refer patients for further testing or treatment, such as corneal collagen cross-linking or corneal transplantation, if necessary.

 

Working closely with an optometrist is crucial for patients with keratoconus. Regular eye exams can help monitor the disease’s progression and ensure appropriate treatment is received, leading to better outcomes and a better quality of life.

Book Your Next Eye Exam!

West Edmonton Vision Clinic

Visit our vision clinic in central West Edmonton for comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, glasses, and more. Louie Eyecare Centre is dedicated to providing the highest quality optometric services and products to our patients. Our team of experienced optometrists is here to help you with all of your eye care needs. Schedule an appointment today!

Clinic Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:00-5:00
Wednesday 9:00-5:00
Thursday 9:00-5:00
Friday 9:00-5:00
Saturday 9:00-2:00
Closed Sunday / Holidays

OUR CLIENTS' FEEDBACK

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary symptom of myopia is difficulty seeing objects at a distance, such as road signs or chalkboards. Other symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and needing to sit closer to screens or books to see clearly.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea’s curvature is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

The corneal curve is measured using a technique called corneal topography. This non-invasive procedure creates a detailed map of the corneal surface, showing its curvature and any irregularities. During the test, you may be asked to focus on a target, and a specialized instrument captures images of the cornea’s shape. The data obtained from corneal topography aids in assessing tear film stability, identifying areas of potential dryness, and assisting in the diagnosis and management of dry eye.

Yes, the corneal curve can provide insights into the severity of dry eye. An uneven corneal surface can disrupt the tear film, leading to dryness and discomfort. Specialized tests, such as corneal topography, evaluate the curvature of the cornea and its impact on tear distribution. Changes in the corneal curve, along with other clinical assessments, help eye care professionals determine the severity of dry eye and tailor appropriate treatment strategies.

The curve on the front of the eye, known as the cornea, plays a crucial role in dry eye detection. Changes in the corneal surface can affect tear distribution and stability, leading to dry eye symptoms. Optometrists and ophthalmologists use advanced imaging techniques to analyze the corneal curvature and its changes over time. This helps detect dry eye by identifying irregularities that can contribute to tear film instability and ocular discomfort.

The MYAH is a versatile tool that does many things. It measures the length of your eye, checks the shape of your cornea, looks at how your pupil responds to light, and analyzes how light behaves on the front surface of your eye. It can image the meibomian gland structure and tear film height. It’s also helpful for finding the right kind of contact lenses. The MYAH helps keep track of how your eye changes over time, measures your eye’s focusing power, and shows any differences in the shape of your cornea between visits. It can also show how light might be causing some blurriness. So, it’s like a really useful tool for understanding your eye health and helping you get the best lenses if you need them.