Can I live a normal life with keratoconus?

The good news is that it does not have to be this way and that patients with keratoconus can go on to live normal lives just like any other person with good sight. You just need the proper treatment in order to get good vision back.

Is keratoconus a serious condition?

Untreated keratoconus can lead to permanent vision loss. The changes to the cornea make it difficult for the eye to focus with or without eyeglasses or standard soft contact lenses.

Is keratoconus painful?

In rare cases, severe keratoconus causes a complication called corneal hydrops. This happens when part of your cornea breaks. This causes the fluid in your eye to flow into your cornea abnormally. This can cause severe pain and swelling.

Can keratoconus heal itself?

Keratoconus does not fade on its own. The shape of your cornea can’t permanently change, even with medications, special contact lenses, or surgery. Remember, we have various options for reshaping your cornea, but keratoconus is a chronic, lifelong disorder. So don’t wait until things get worse.

Is keratoconus surgery painful?

The procedure is usually pain-free. Corneal Cross Linking will not reverse keratoconus but in the majority of cases prevents the condition from worsening, and will, in some cases, achieve a visual improvement.

Is there a surgery for keratoconus?

Depending on the location of the bulging cone and the severity of your condition, surgical options include: Penetrating keratoplasty. If you have corneal scarring or extreme thinning, you’ll likely need a cornea transplant (keratoplasty). Penetrating keratoplasty is a full-cornea transplant.

Is keratoconus very common?

Keratoconus occurs in approximately one in 2,000 individuals, typically beginning in puberty and progressing into the mid-30s. Early stages can be treated with glasses, but with progression of the disease into late childhood and early adulthood, corneal transplantation may be needed to restore sight.