6 Facts About Keratoconus that You Should Know Before Seeing an Optometrist

Your eye consists of various tissues that aid in vision, one of them being the cornea. The cornea works by allowing light to pass through the iris and lens. So when it becomes thin and penetrates outwards, you could be having a condition known as keratoconus. If you are struggling with keratoconus in Philadelphia and have chosen to undergo surgery at IC Laser Eye Care, pay attention to the following facts.

1.      Anyone can develop keratoconus even if they do not have a family history of it

One of the first things a doctor or eye specialist asks you before diagnosing them for a condition is if you have a family history. Unfortunately, keratoconus can happen to anyone regardless of their family history. Nevertheless, your risk is higher if one or both of your parents have had it. Your risk for the disease can be higher if you have Down syndrome.

2.      Keratoconus affects people of all ages

If you have been diagnosed with the condition in your young adulthood stages, it means you might have developed it during your childhood years. However, keratoconus can affect anyone, whether young or old. That is why it is essential to see an optometrist regularly for eye exams. Your eye doctor will try to detect eye diseases like glaucoma and other eye conditions during your visit.

3.      High pressure to the eye might not lead to keratoconus

It is easy to assume that high pressure inside the eyeball can cause keratoconus when there is no relationship between them. In the real sense, high pressure may cause glaucoma. Scientists have not yet discovered what makes the cornea become thin and attain a cone shape.

4.      Obsessive eye rubbing may aggravate it

It is logical to rub your eyes when they become itchy or remove a foreign object. However, doing it frequently might be harmful. So if you feel the constant urge to rub your eyes, see an eye doctor immediately.

5.      Treatment options for keratoconus may include surgery

The initial stages of the condition might not need treatment, but when it gets severe, advanced treatment options may apply. For example, some doctors may recommend contact lenses to restore corneal shape. But if it gets worse, surgery may be recommended as the last resort. It involves setting up radiofrequency to restore corneal shape and implant rings into the cornea to ensure eye contacts fit better.

6.      Laser vision surgery may worsen keratoconus

Laser vision surgery works by removing thin layers of the cornea to restore its shape. However, as a result, the procedure may cause the cornea to become weak and aggravate its progression. Therefore, it is not the best treatment option.

See an optometrist for eye exams

Whether you have eye discomfort or not, seeing an optometrist at least twice a year is the only way to get peace of mind. So as you plan a visit to an eye doctor, consider all these facts. To learn more about keratoconus treatment options, schedule a visit to your eye doctor today.