SoCal Eye – Keratoconus Specialists in Long Beach
Are you struggling with blurry vision? It could be keratoconus, a condition affecting the cornea. While mild cases can be managed with eyeglasses, advanced instances may require eye surgery. Detecting keratoconus starts with a comprehensive eye exam. SoCal Eye Ophthalmology boasts Cornea Specialists in Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Garden Grove. Book a Consultation today. Call (562) 531-2020 | or submit an Online Consultation Request
Understanding Keratoconus:
The cornea, a transparent, dome-shaped surface, is vital for the eye’s focusing power. Under normal circumstances, it must remain clear for the correct transmission of light onto the retina. Keratoconus, often referred to as ‘KC’, is a non-inflammatory eye condition where the cornea progressively thins and weakens, causing a cone-like bulge and optical irregularity. This change in shape results in blurry and distorted vision, impacting daily tasks such as reading or driving.
Link: Keratoconus from the National Keratoconus Foundation:
Keratoconus Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of Keratoconus remains unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified:
- Genetics/Family History:Approximately 1 in 10 people with keratoconus have a parent with the condition. Parents with keratoconus are advised to have their children’s eyes checked for signs starting around age 10.
- Age: Keratoconus is often first detected in the teenage years and, in almost all cases, by the age of 30. It can also affect people aged 40 and older, though less commonly.
- Certain Disorders: Studies have found a connection between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and retinitis pigmentosa.
- Inflammation: Inflammation from factors like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease can contribute to the breakdown of the cornea tissue.
- Eye Rubbing: Excessive eye rubbing over time can accelerate the condition or contribute to its progression.
- Race: Instances of keratoconus in the Black and Latino population are roughly 50% higher than in the Caucasian population.
Keratoconus Symptoms and Detection:
Keratoconus typically first appears in individuals in their late teens or early twenties, progressing for 10-20 years, and then slowing or stabilizing. Symptoms may include:
- Slight blurring of vision
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Frequent glasses or contact lens prescription changes
- Reduced best-corrected vision, even with glasses
- Distortion of vision: straight lines look bent or wavy
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Halos forming around bright lights at night
- Ghosting around images
- Double vision when looking with one eye
In the early stages, symptoms may be mild, with nearsightedness or frequent changes in glasses prescription being the only signs. As the condition progresses, distortions, halos, and double vision become more pronounced, requiring more complex treatment. Keratoconus can result in significant vision loss, potentially necessitating a corneal transplant in severe cases.
Eye rubbing has been shown to cause progression of keratoconus, emphasizing the importance of avoiding eye rubbing. If your eyes itch, burn, or are often irritated, the eye doctors at SoCal Eye may be able to identify and treat the underlying cause of your ocular irritation.
Keratoconus Treatment:
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking: This surgical procedure, performed by a Cornea Specialist, strengthens the cornea and prevents further progression of keratoconus. It involves the application of Vitamin B (riboflavin) eye drop medicine in conjunction with a focused beam of UV light rays. This eliminates the bulging/distended shape, addressing vision issues and helping the cornea return to a more preferred flatter shape. Corneal collagen cross-linking is the only FDA approved treatment preventing further progression of keratoconus.
Other Therapeutic Options in Keratoconus:
- Glasses: Effective for regular astigmatism in early stages.
- Soft Contact Lenses: Specially designed for mild-to-moderate keratoconus.
- Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses: Used as the condition advances.
Advanced Treatment Options:
- Intacs: A small, curved device surgically placed on the cornea to help flatten its curvature and improve vision.
- Corneal Transplant: In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary, replacing part or all of the diseased cornea with healthy tissue from a donor.
SoCal Eye Keratoconus Consultation:
All treatment at SoCal Eye begins with a consultation with a Cornea Specialist or Cornea Surgeon in Long Beach. Schedule an appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send an Online Consultation Request
Trust your vision to the experts at SoCal Eye – leading the way in keratoconus treatment in Long Beach, CA.
