An in-depth look at a rare condition: World Keratoconus Day is being observed around the world
How the condition is diagnosed and managed.
World Keratoconus Day on 10 November: symptoms and treatment
Every year on 10 November, on the initiative of the International Keratoconus Foundation (National Keratoconus Foundation, NKCF), World Keratoconus Day is observed. The main aim of this day is to raise public awareness of this degenerative eye condition, to provide information on methods of early diagnosis, and to offer support to patients living with this condition.
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the cornea — the transparent front part of the eyeball — gradually thins and takes on a cone-like shape instead of its natural spherical shape. This causes light rays to be distorted and leads to a significant deterioration in vision.
Symptoms of the condition and risk factors
Keratoconus most often presents during adolescence or young adulthood (aged 12 to 25) and may progress slowly over several decades. In the early stages, the condition is often mistaken for ordinary astigmatism or short-sightedness.
The key clinical signs and symptoms of this condition include:
- A rapid decline in visual acuity: the need to change glasses or contact lenses frequently due to constant changes in refraction.
- Monocular diplopia: double vision or blurred vision, the appearance of ‘halos’ and glare around light sources, particularly at night.
- Increased sensitivity to light: a feeling of discomfort and watery eyes in bright light.
- The habit of rubbing one’s eyes: prolonged and vigorous rubbing of the eyelids is considered one of the main triggers that accelerates corneal thinning and deformation.
Modern diagnostic techniques and methods for preserving eyesight
The gold standard for diagnosing keratoconus is computerised topography, or keratotopography — a scanning technique that produces a three-dimensional map of the corneal surface and detects even the slightest changes in thickness before any pronounced symptoms appear.
Modern ophthalmology offers effective methods for halting the progression of the disease and correcting vision:
Cross-linking: A procedure for strengthening the corneal tissue using riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light, which halts the progression of the deformity.
Special optical correction
The use of rigid gas-permeable, scleral or hybrid contact lenses that form a correct optical surface.
Intrastromal rings
Implantation of corneal segments to flatten the cone and improve visual function.
Keratoplasty
Corneal transplantation (partial or penetrating), which is used in the terminal stages in cases of significant opacification or scarring of the tissue.
This material is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or a diagnosis. If you notice a deterioration in your vision or suspect you may have an eye condition, you must consult a relevant specialist — an ophthalmologist.
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