If you tend to rub your eye vigorously or have a family history of keratoconus, you may have a heightened risk of developing keratoconus. The presence of other diseases can also raise your risks. These include:

• Asthma
• Hay Fever
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Down syndrome
• Retinitis pigmentosa

Keratoconus is a lifelong disease of the eye. Once diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan. Your best option for preventing further progression of keratoconus is to follow the recommended treatment plan and regularly receive eye exams.

If left untreated, keratoconus can result in partial or complete loss of vision. This disease can be monitored and progression can be halted by following a treatment plan, however, action will need to be consistently taken throughout your life to prevent the effects of untreated keratoconus from setting in.

Research on keratoconus is still being conducted to understand exactly what causes the disease to take hold. Keratoconus is partially hereditary but also influenced by outside behavioral and environmental factors. If you have a family history of keratoconus the genetic factors are present which will increase your risk for developing the disease. However, unless you encounter certain behavioral and environmental factors in your life the disease may not develop.

Yes. Presently, there are no known cures for keratoconus. If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus you will need to prepare for a lifelong treatment plan to control the progression of the disease.

Corneal cross-linking adds stability to the eye by building links to collagen that holds the cornea in place. This can prevent. This procedure is minimally-invasive which is an added benefit given alternative treatments for keratoconus include cornea transplant which is a highly invasive surgery.

Your eyes will be sensitive and painful for three to five days following the procedure. Your pain levels may vary from other patients.

It can take up to a week to fully recover from corneal cross-linking. Be aware, recovery time varies and you may experience a recovery period lasting longer than seven days.

Corneal transplant surgery takes between 30 minutes and one hour. This excludes time needed to prep and post-surgery procedures

After the surgery, you will need to have transportation home. Your eyes will likely have sutures but these will be unnoticeable.

You should avoid activities that could potentially effect your eye. This includes activities such as contact sports. Your doctor will provide you with more information on precautions during your recovery process.

After corneal transplant surgery, it typically takes about one to two weeks to resume normal activity. Actual recovery time will depend on if you had a partial or full-thickness transplant. Your doctor will be able to give you a more specific timeline to full recovery.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This deformation deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision. The exact cause of keratoconus is not well understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Some studies suggest that excessive eye rubbing, a history of poorly fitted contact lenses, and chronic eye irritation may contribute to its development. Additionally, it often appears in the teenage years or early twenties and can be associated with certain allergic conditions like asthma and eczema, which indicate a possible link to an allergic or atopic background.

It’s important to consult an eye care professional if you notice any changes in your vision, particularly if you experience sudden vision distortion or blurring, increased light sensitivity, or if your eyeglass prescriptions change frequently, which are common signs of keratoconus. Early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus are crucial for slowing its progression and improving vision. Regular eye exams are recommended, especially for teenagers and young adults, as keratoconus typically begins at puberty and progresses into the mid-thirties.

Keratoconus can be associated with several other eye conditions, including:

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: A seasonal allergic condition that affects the surface of the eye.
• Retinitis pigmentosa: A group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina.
• Down syndrome: Individuals with Down syndrome are significantly more likely to develop keratoconus.
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues, including those in the eyes.
• Leber congenital amaurosis: A genetic disorder that primarily affects the retina and can be associated with keratoconus due to the overall fragility in the eye structure.

Understanding these associations is important for comprehensive care and may influence the management strategies for keratoconus.

Managing keratoconus involves both medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments to help stabilize the condition and maintain the best possible vision quality. Here are some key lifestyle adjustments that individuals with keratoconus might consider:

1. Avoid Eye Rubbing: One of the most crucial adjustments is to avoid rubbing the eyes. Eye rubbing can exacerbate the thinning of the cornea, accelerating the progression of keratoconus. If eye itching is a problem, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional about appropriate treatments for allergies or irritations that might cause rubbing.
2. Use Protective Eyewear: For those involved in sports or occupations that pose a risk of eye injury, wearing protective eyewear is essential. Injuries can worsen the condition or trigger progression in a previously stable eye.
3. Manage Allergies Effectively: Since allergies can trigger eye rubbing, managing them with appropriate medications can be a key part of keratoconus management. Over the counter or prescription allergy medications may be recommended to control symptoms.
4. Follow Regular Eye Examination Schedules: Regular follow-ups with an eye care provider are vital. These visits allow for monitoring of the condition’s progression and adjustments in treatment as needed. Early detection of changes can lead to earlier intervention, which may help slow the progression of the disease.
5. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: General health impacts eye health, so maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are all beneficial for overall eye health.
6. UV Protection: Wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection is important to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can contribute to eye strain and damage.

Implementing these lifestyle changes can play an important role in managing keratoconus, complementing medical treatments such as corneal cross-linking or specialized contact lenses designed to help maintain vision quality and eye health.