Keratoconus: meaning
The word Keratoconus come from two Greeks word; “karate” meaning “cornes” and “Konos” meaning “cone” forming Keratoconus, also known as Conical Eye. This is a degenerative disorder of the eye, in which the shape of the cornea is distorted leading to a cone-like bulge. A person’s vision is distorted. Keratoconus is the most prevalent cornea disease throughout the world affecting one person out of every one thousand (1:1000). Early diagnosis of Keratoconus is difficult, and mostly diagnosed in adolescents through the early twenties and thirties, when the damages are already severe.
Etiology
Keratoconus Etiology refers to the studies that deal with the causes of Keratoconus, its origin, and the factors that influence it.
The etiology of Keratoconus remains a mystery despite the continued research effort. But several factors suggest the likely causes of keratoconus, this is: Genetic, several studies have attempted to associate keratoconus with heredity. Eye rubbing is another reason given suggesting that vigorous eye rubbing using force can cause keratoconus. Inflammation occurs weakening the Cornea. Another theory associate’s keratoconus with Systematic conditions like Down syndrome, atopic diseases which include asthma and allergic disease, and connective tissue disorder. It has also been suggested that patients who wear rigid contact lens are likely to suffer from keratoconus after a study on cases of keratoconus on a patient who has been wearing contact glasses, Hormonal change is another reason floated by scientists as a possible cause of keratoconus since the condition occurs at the puberty.
Stages of development
The main difference between the normal cornea and the one affected by keratoconus is the fact that a cone-like inward bulge is formed on the cornea of a person with Keratoconus.
An early stage of keratoconus can be treated by use of spectacles, to treat mild cases of keratoconus, although the patient may not have a satisfactory vision. As the condition gets severe, a contact lens is most preferred to correct the condition and manage the conditions. Tear fluid if filled at the gap between the smooth inner regular surface and the irregular surface of the cornea. There are different types of contact glasses developed specifically for patients with Keratoconus.
Treatment
The best option for treating keratoconus is through surgery where a cornea transplant is performed. This option is the only solution to vision correction. Patients get cornea from donated tissues and the fact that cornea is not connected to any tissues makes this a risk-free option. There are many cornea transplant surgeons dedicated to handling corneal transplants.