Keratoconus Awareness: What You Need to Know About This Progressive Eye Condition

Is your vision becoming blurry or distorted, even with new glasses?

If you're noticing blurry vision, increasing astigmatism, or frequent changes in your glasses prescription, it could be more than a simple vision change. In some cases, these symptoms may be caused by keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that affects the shape of the cornea.

Recognized each year on November 11, Keratoconus Awareness Day helps raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to protect long-term vision.

At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we provide comprehensive eye examinations and advanced diagnostic technology to help detect keratoconus and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye gradually becomes thinner and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape.

As the cornea changes shape, it can no longer focus light properly onto the retina, resulting in distorted or blurred vision.

Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, although one eye may be more affected than the other. It most commonly develops during the teenage years or early adulthood and may continue to progress over time.

While the exact cause is not fully understood, several factors are associated with an increased risk, including:

• A family history of keratoconus

• Frequent or vigorous eye rubbing

• Chronic eye allergies

• Certain connective tissue or genetic disorders

What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

As keratoconus progresses, you may experience:

• Blurred or distorted vision

• Frequent changes in your glasses prescription

• Increasing astigmatism

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

• Glare and halos around lights

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night

• Double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia)

Because these symptoms often develop gradually, regular comprehensive eye examinations are important for early detection.

How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?

Your optometrist can diagnose keratoconus through a comprehensive eye examination using specialized technology to evaluate the shape and thickness of the cornea.

Early diagnosis allows your eye care provider to monitor the condition closely and recommend treatment before significant vision loss occurs.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment depends on the severity and progression of the condition.

Eyeglasses or Soft Contact Lenses

In the early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may provide clear vision by correcting mild nearsightedness and astigmatism.

Specialty Contact Lenses

As keratoconus progresses and the cornea becomes more irregular, specialty contact lenses often provide better vision than glasses.

These may include:

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses

• Hybrid contact lenses

• Scleral lenses

These lenses create a smoother optical surface, helping improve vision despite the irregular shape of the cornea.

Because keratoconus can change over time, specialty lenses require careful fitting and regular follow-up appointments to maintain comfort and visual performance.

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)

For patients whose keratoconus is progressing, corneal cross-linking may be recommended by an ophthalmologist. This treatment is designed to strengthen the cornea and help slow or stop further progression of the disease. It does not reverse keratoconus but may help preserve vision.

Your optometrist can determine whether a referral for corneal cross-linking is appropriate.

Why Early Detection Matters

Without treatment, keratoconus may continue to progress, making it increasingly difficult to achieve clear vision with glasses.

Routine eye examinations are especially important for:

• Teenagers and young adults

• Individuals with rapidly changing prescriptions

• People who frequently rub their eyes

• Those with a family history of keratoconus

Early diagnosis allows for timely management and may help preserve vision over the long term.

We're Here to Help Protect Your Vision

A diagnosis of keratoconus can feel overwhelming, but many people successfully manage the condition with the right treatment and ongoing care.

At LivingHope Vision Clinicin Hamilton and Burlington, we provide comprehensive eye examinations, advanced corneal imaging, and specialty contact lens fittings to help patients achieve their best possible vision.

If you or someone you know has symptoms of keratoconus or has been diagnosed with the condition, schedule a comprehensive eye examination at LivingHope Vision Clinic. Early detection and personalized treatment can make a meaningful difference in protecting your vision.

If you or someone you know has symptoms of keratoconus or has been diagnosed with the condition, schedule a comprehensive eye examination at LivingHope Vision Clinic in Hamilton and Burlington. Early detection and personalized treatment can make a meaningful difference in protecting your vision.

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