5 Signs You Could Have Keratoconus
Most people think of eye conditions as something that only affects older adults. But there’s a serious eye condition that primarily affects young people— keratoconus.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that makes your vision worse over time. The bad news is that vision loss from keratoconus can’t be reversed— but if you catch it early, the condition can be managed.
Keep reading to learn the 5 signs you could have keratoconus.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus occurs when your cornea, which is the clear dome that makes up the outer part of your eye, begins to thin out.
As it thins, it bulges. This gives the cornea a more cone-like shape. It also warps your vision.
The more the cornea thins and bulges, the worse your vision becomes and the harder it is to correct with glasses and contact lenses.
It can even get to the point that corrective lenses can no longer correct your vision. At that point, a corneal transplant is the only way to regain your vision.
However, when caught early, treatments like collagen crosslinking have been shown to significantly slow the progressive condition. You may be able to preserve your vision and avoid having to get a corneal transplant if you receive an early diagnosis.
To get diagnosed early, you should recognize these signs that you may have keratoconus so you know when to see your eye doctor:
1. You’re a Teenager or Young Adult
Not every young person will get keratoconus— the condition affects around 1 in 700 people. But it’s typically diagnosed in adults between the ages of 13 and 30.
It tends to develop when you’re younger and can progress through your mid-30s, although you’re much less likely to have it if you haven’t had any symptoms at all by age 30.
It’s important to remember that only young people tend to get keratoconus, as the rest of the following symptoms are more often caused by age-related eye conditions like cataracts when seen in adults over 40.
2. Worsening Vision in One or Both Eyes
The most common symptom of keratoconus is worsening vision or vision that becomes blurrier.
It’s common for your vision to be changing steadily when you’re younger, but quickly worsening vision is a sign that the issue might go beyond a standard refractive error.
3. Monocular Double Vision
Seeing double when only one eye is open is a common sign of keratoconus. Seeing double when both eyes are open may be a sign of a neurological condition, so you should see your eye doctor if you see double to rule out any other causes.
4. Light Sensitivity
Your eyes are much more sensitive to light if you have keratoconus. You may also see more glare and halos from light sources, making it even harder to see.
5. Distorted Vision
Keratoconus tends to warp your vision and make it blurry. A good way to tell if your vision is distorted is that straight lines appear bent or wavy.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your eye doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention can get you the help you need and save your vision! Schedule an appointment with Mueller Vision in Fort Worth, TX, today!
