Keratoconus

What are the signs and symptoms of keratoconus?

• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision (straight lines look bent or wavy)
• Light sensitivity
• Eye redness and swelling
• Increased myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism (irregular corneal shape) resulting in frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

Sometimes patients with keratoconus develop an acute worsening of their vision associated with pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity and swelling or haziness of the cornea. This is called acute hydrops and can be treated with eye drops. It can also lead to scarring that results in vision loss.

How do we diagnose keratoconus?

Children suspected of having keratoconus undergo a complete eye exam to test their vision and measure their glasses prescription, with careful attention to the amount and location of astigmatism. We also perform an exam using a microscope to look at the cornea for abnormal curvature and telltale signs associated with keratoconus. Patients will also have a dilated eye exam to ensure the rest of the eye is healthy.

In addition, the following diagnostic tests will be performed in the office:

• Keratometry (measuring the steepness of the cornea)
• Pachymetry (measuring the thickness of the cornea)
• Topography (creates a 3D map of the curvature of the corneal surface)

What can I expect from these tests?

All of these tests are quick, noninvasive, painless, and take place right in the office, similar to taking a series of pictures of the eyes. The results are available immediately so we can use this information to help make the diagnosis and begin to form the best treatment plan for each individual patient.

How is keratoconus treated?

Children with keratoconus, or suspected of having keratoconus, should avoid rubbing their eyes. This includes treating any underlying allergies or other triggers that make their eyes itchy and prone to rubbing.

In the early stages, blurry or distorted vision resulting from keratoconus can be treated with glasses to improve vision. Special soft or hard contact lenses can also be used to improve vision. In the later stages, the vision may still be blurry beyond what can be corrected with glasses and contact lenses, or the patient can no longer tolerate the contact lenses. These patients may benefit from corneal transplant surgery, in which the diseased malformed cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue.

Corneal collagen cross-linking

Recently, a new procedure called corneal collagen cross-linking has been developed to help slow the progression of keratoconus and avoid corneal transplant surgery. The procedure uses UV light and a chemical called riboflavin to help strengthen the cornea and prevent the progressive corneal thinning and malformation associated with keratoconus. It is an outpatient procedure that patients tolerate very well with minimal side effects and excellent results. For patients who cannot tolerate this 90 min procedure awake, they can be anesthetized while our surgeons perform corneal collagen crosslinking.

Why choose us for treatment of keratoconus?

Our pediatric ophthalmology team consists of highly skilled providers who are experienced in diagnosing and treating children with all stages of keratoconus, as well as fitting them with the special glasses and contact lenses they need to keep seeing their best. We have the most modern diagnostic equipment necessary to make the diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient. We also have a collagen cross-linking program to treat patients eligible for this new procedure at our Anschutz Medical Campus location.

Contact us at 720-777-2020 to schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists for a complete eye exam.