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Keratoconus
is a bulging distortion of the cornea, leading to loss of visual
acuity.
Keratoconus is a slowly progressive ectasia of the cornea (bulging due to weakness of its structural elements), usually bilateral, beginning between ages 10 and 20. Its cause is unknown. The cone shape that the cornea assumes causes major changes in the refractive characteristics of the cornea (irregular astigmatism) and necessitates frequent change of eyeglasses. Contact lenses may provide better vision correction and should be tried when eyeglasses are not satisfactory. Corneal transplant surgery may be necessary if visual acuity with contact lenses is inadequate, contact lenses are not tolerated, or a visually significant corneal scar is present.
Last full review/revision November 2005
Content last modified November 2005
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