Key Takeaways
- Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, affecting your vision.
- Genetics play a role in keratoconus, but only about 1 in 10 people with the condition report a family history of it.
- Eye rubbing, allergies, and certain habits can also contribute to the condition.
- Some health conditions, like Down syndrome and connective tissue disorders, are linked to higher risk.
- Detection through an eye appointment can provide you with options for managing keratoconus.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can change the outer layer of the eye (the cornea), usually over a long period of time. For some, this can mean that glasses that worked fine before no longer seem to sharpen things the way they used to. If you or a loved one has keratoconus, you may be wondering what caused it and what options you have for management going forward.
Keratoconus does have a genetic component, but genes are only part of the picture. Our team at Vector Eye Centre works with patients in Calgary and surrounding areas who are navigating these questions, and we are here to walk you through your treatment options and help you decide what’s right for you.
An Overview of Keratoconus
How the Cornea Changes Over Time
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. With keratoconus, it gradually thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. That change in shape affects how light enters your eye, which is what leads to the visual disturbances associated with the condition.
Keratoconus can affect one or both eyes, and it often progresses unevenly between them.
Symptoms to Watch For
The signs can be subtle at first, which is why many people don’t connect them to a corneal condition right away. Here are some common symptoms to keep in mind:
- Blurry or distorted vision that changes over time.
- Worsening nearsightedness or astigmatism over time.
- Vision changes that glasses can no longer fully correct.
The Role of Genetics in Keratoconus
What the Family Connection Looks Like
Keratoconus does run in families, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. About 1 in 10 people with the condition have reported having a close relative who also has it. If you have a loved one with keratoconus, you’re not destined to also develop it. That said, if someone in your family has keratoconus, your own risk is higher than average, so it’s worth paying attention to any changes in your vision.
Other Factors That Contribute to Keratoconus
Environmental Factors Worth Knowing
Genetics alone rarely tell the whole story. Several environmental factors are associated with keratoconus risk, such as:
- Frequent or vigorous eye rubbing, which can damage the cornea over time.
- Eye allergies increase the urge to rub, which raises the risk further.
- Frequent exposure to dry, dusty, or windy environments may irritate the eyes and increase the urge to rub.
Keratoconus and Other Health Conditions
Conditions Linked to Higher Risk
Keratoconus appears more often in people with certain systemic health conditions. Some worth noting are Down syndrome, which is associated with a substantially higher risk of keratoconus, and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.
What This Means for Your Eye Health
If you have one of these conditions, or if a family member does, it’s important to attend regular eye appointments. Corneal changes can be subtle in the early stages, and catching them sooner can sometimes mean more options are available to help manage progression.
When to See an Ophthalmologist in Calgary
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Keratoconus often appears in the teenage years or early twenties, but it can go unnoticed for some time. If you notice blurry vision that starts in that age range, and glasses or contact lenses that no longer seem to improve your sight the way they once did, it’s worth having your eyes looked at.
What an Eye Appointment Can Reveal
An ophthalmologist with advanced training in cornea disease, such as those at Vector Eye Centre, can use corneal topography and/or corneal tomography to map the shape of your cornea and detect subtle changes that a standard vision test can’t always catch. Earlier diagnosis gives you more options to help manage how the condition progresses. If you have a family history of keratoconus, making regular appointments a habit is especially worthwhile, even when your vision feels fine.
Book Your Next Visit
Vector Eye Centre offers thorough eye care for people in Calgary and surrounding areas who want answers about their vision and their eye health. Whether you have a family history of keratoconus or you’ve noticed changes in your vision that glasses aren’t quite fixing, our team can help you get a clearer picture of what’s happening and your options. Talk with your optometrist about sending a referral to our office. We’d be happy to help.
