How Keratoconus Affects Vision: Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, the clear and curved surface at the front of the eye responsible for focusing light. As keratoconus develops, the cornea becomes thinner and starts to bulge into a cone shaped form, which leads to distorted and blurry vision. Although it often begins during the teenage years or early adulthood, early detection and proper management are essential for preserving vision and preventing complications.

Understanding How Keratoconus Affects Vision

In a healthy eye, the cornea maintains a smooth, round shape that bends light properly onto the retina. However, in keratoconus, the structural integrity of the cornea weakens over time. As the cornea becomes more irregular in shape, light cannot focus correctly, resulting in vision problems such as:

• Blurred or distorted vision

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Frequent changes in glasses prescription

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Halos or ghosting around lights

These changes can significantly impact daily activities like reading, driving, or using digital devices.

Early Warning Signs of Keratoconus

Recognizing the early signs of keratoconus is crucial. In its initial stages, symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other vision issues. Some early warning signs to watch for include:

• Rapid changes in vision or prescription

• Sudden increase in astigmatism

• Eye strain or discomfort

• Trouble seeing clearly even with glasses

Because keratoconus often progresses gradually, individuals may not notice the changes right away. That’s why early diagnosis through regular comprehensive eye exams is essential.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential

Routine eye exams do more than just check your vision, they allow your optometrist to evaluate the overall health of your eyes and detect early signs of conditions like keratoconus. Using advanced diagnostic tools, your eye doctor can monitor corneal thickness and curvature, helping to catch keratoconus before it significantly affects your vision. Early detection opens the door to effective treatment options that can slow progression and protect your sight.

How Specialty Contact Lenses Can Help

For individuals diagnosed with keratoconus, traditional glasses or soft contact lenses may no longer provide clear vision. Fortunately, specialty contact lenses are designed to accommodate the irregular shape of the cornea and deliver better visual clarity.

Some of the most common lenses used to manage keratoconus include:

• Scleral Lenses: Large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye), offering a smooth optical surface.

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Firm lenses that help reshape the eye’s surface to improve focus.

• Hybrid Lenses: Combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring for comfort and stability.

These lenses not only improve vision but also offer comfort and stability that many keratoconus patients find beneficial.

Take the Next Step at First Choice Eye Care

Keratoconus is a condition that can dramatically affect your quality of life if left undetected. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and the right treatment many individuals with keratoconus can maintain clear, functional vision.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at First Choice Eye Care for personalized treatment. Visit our office in Matthews, North Carolina, or call (704) 893-0090 to book an appointment today.