What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus or conical cornea is a disease of the front layer of the eye called the cornea. The shape becomes irregular and cone like, affecting vision and even leading to functional blindness.

Why does this happen?

Most studies around the world mention a 2-hit theory: such patients have a corneal weakness to start with; and then they further damage their eyes by rubbing them.



But I have been rubbing my eyes every morning when I wake up…

Eye rubbing is bad for your eyes and must be discouraged. But all eye rubbers do not get keratoconus; only the ones with weak corneas do so.

How should I suspect this condition?

Such patients get frequent change in their spectacle numbers. They have high cylindrical powers, and fail to read the last few lines on a vision chart.

Most of them also have a bad habit of strong eye rubbing.

So how is the diagnosis made?

This is done by specialised tests like corneal topography and corneal tomography. These are images taken on advanced machines which show the cornea irregularity.

What is the treatment?

The first goal is to stop further damage. Strictly avoid eye rubbing.

Next is to try the best possible visual correction with spectacles or semi soft contact lenses. 

Depending on the severity of the condition and the progression, you may be suggested the C3R treatment.

What is C3R?

It is a game changer in the treatment of keratoconus. The cornea is saturated with a yellow dye called riboflavin, and the corneal tissue is strengthened by creating collagen bonds using UV radiation. This process is called Corneal Collagen Cross linking with the assistance of Riboflavin.

So, will my cornea become completely normal after this treatment?

Your cornea will become stronger; however, it will not reverse all the irregularities in its shape. The goal is to halt the further weakening of the cornea.

How long is the recovery?

There will be pain, watering, and redness of your eyes for a few days; but things will settle in about 5 days.

I have heard of specialised contact lenses…

Yes, this is another game changer. The Rose K lenses are specially customised semi soft lenses which can significantly improve your vision and comfort. 

Are there any other treatments?

Yes, in more advanced cases, you may be advised ring shaped implants to regularise your cornea. Some cases require compression stitches and in the most advanced cases the last option is a corneal transplant surgery.

Have the keratoconus cases increased recently?

Possibly, yes. Though this condition has been known since almost 300 years, modern imaging systems and an increase in awareness has helped to diagnose and treat more and more patients. Another possibility is the bad air quality which encourages allergies and eye rubbing, and causes weakening of the cornea in younger children. The occurrence of these cases is hugely more in dusty climates.

But how do I stop myself from rubbing my eyes?

Simple awareness that eye rubbing is dangerous is the first step.

Simple home remedies like washing your eyes with water or application of ice to your closed eyelids are extremely useful.

There are a wide variety of eye drops and ointments that are very effective.

My chemist has suggested eye drops…

Be warned that chemists often dispense steroid eye drops. These are very effective, but extremely dangerous over the long time. These are short cuts that can lead to blindness as you can get infections, cataracts, or glaucoma! Always consult your eye doctor before using eye drops.