What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea of the eye thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil and anterior chamber. Together with the eye’s lens, the cornea reflects light. The cornea is responsible for approximately two-thirds of the eye’s total optical power.

Keratoconus can be difficult to detect, as it usually develops slowly. Nearsightedness and problems with how the eye is able to focus light may accompany this disease, causing additional problems with distorted and blurred vision and making a clear diagnosis more difficult.

Keratoconus often appears in the teens or early twenties. There may be a family history of Keratoconus, but this is fairly rare. Keratoconus is common in patients with atopic dermatitis, connective tissue disorder, retinitus pigmentosa and Down Syndrome.

Discover our visual aids for Keratoconus.

Normal vision vs. Keratoconus 

What are the symptoms of Keratoconus

Symptoms of Keratoconus may include:

• distorted and/or blurred vision
• glare and light sensitivity
• frequent prescription changes
• itchy eyes
• frequent rubbing of the eyes
• seeing double with one eye covered and/or multiple images

What to expect from Keratoconus

In the mildest form of Keratoconus, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may help. As the disease progresses and the cornea thins and changes shape, these will no longer be sufficient to correct your vision. When standard glasses or lenses are no longer sufficient, surgery to flatten the cornea or a corneal transplant may offer a solution. Discuss the best options for your specific situation with your eye care professional.

More information about Keratoconus

There is extensive information available about Keratoconus. The information included is intended to inform you about the basics of this eye condition, and is not intended as a replacement for information from your physician or eye specialist. Information regarding assistive devices that can help you if you have been diagnosed with Keratoconus is included. Our recommendations can be found under Tools and Resources.

Living with Keratoconus

Hearing that your sight is affected by Keratoconus may turn your world upside down. When the initial emotions subside, you may be comforted by the knowledge that you are not alone. There are many people in your situation, some that have also just been diagnosed and some that have been living with Keratoconus for years.

Many people with Keratoconus continue to do the activities they always did. If diagnosed in an early stage, chances are that you will retain most of your vision and be able to do the activities you always did. If the condition has progressed, you will often have some residual vision. Together with the use of specific devices to help you, you should still be able to do the things you love.

If you experience low vision as a result of Keratoconus, there are low vision devices that can assist you with those tasks that you have difficulty with. These devices will assist you with various visual tasks and will help you in continuing to lead an independent and full life.

Tools and Resources for Keratoconus

There is extensive literature available on Keratoconus. The internet provides a wealth of information and most countries have one or more associations or support groups for people affected by Keratoconus. Our recommendations:

National Keratoconus Foundation

• Website
• Facebook
• Phone: 800 521-2524

American Keratoconus Association

• Website

There are many devices that can assist you in a variety of daily tasks if you have Keratoconus. Below is a short summary of some of these devices. For more information we suggest you browse through our product assortment or use our easy Help Me Choose assistant to search and filter based on your wishes.

Products that may be useful if you have Keratoconus: