Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disease in which the center of the cornea thins and assumes the shape of a cone. It is usually bilateral and is often found in patients who have hay fever, atopic dermatitis, eczema or asthma. Keratoconus creates irregular corneal astigmatism that defies correction by ordinary spectacles. Rigid contact lenses (RGP) have been used to correct the visual defect. If the patient is unable to be fitted properly with contact lenses because of very high irregular astigmatism, some surgical procedures are offered to restore vision.
The symptoms of keratoconus are decreased vision, monocular diplopia (one eye double vision) or ghost images, distortion and halos. Even when visual acuity is good, it is normal for keratoconics to describe visual distortions. Studies show that keratoconus patients have dysfunctional vision despite adequate visual acuity with contact lenses.
If you are concerned about having keratoconus or have a family member who experiences similar symptoms Doctor & Associates will be happy to help. Dr. Leslie Doctor is a Cornea Specialist who completed Fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery in the Ohio State University. Please feel free to call us at 203-227-4113 with any questions.
