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How You Can Prevent Keratoconus From Getting Worse

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, it is important to know that there are measures you can take to prevent the condition from becoming worse. Read on to learn how you can do your part to protect your vision.

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What Steps Can I Take To Stop Keratoconus From Degrading?

As with many ocular diseases, keratoconus does not remain static throughout a person’s life. While the condition may remain stable for certain periods, there will inevitably be changes as the eye changes shape over time.  

Naturally, people diagnosed with this eye disorder have concerns about degrading eyesight, particularly in their concerns about blindness. Fortunately, with proper treatment blindness is very rare. 

Although there is currently no cure, there are many available options to improve eyesight and prevent further deterioration. Over the course of a patient's life, different options may be utilized ranging from corrective lenses to surgery. By being vigilant and scheduling periodic examinations, you can prevent further vision loss.

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Symptoms of a Worsening Condition

If you have keratoconus, it's crucial to remain vigilant for any signs that your condition might be getting worse. Early intervention is key to managing this eye disorder effectively. Below are some symptoms you should be on the lookout for:

  • Increasingly Blurred Vision: One of the first signs is worsening blur, where even with corrective lenses, you struggle to see clearly.
  • Frequent Prescription Changes: If you find yourself needing frequent updates to your prescription, that could indicate progression.
  • Difficulty with Night Vision: Trouble seeing in low light or at night is often reported. This difficulty can make tasks like driving hazardous.
  • Excessive Eye Rubbing: A heightened urge to rub your eyes can exacerbate the condition.
  • Halos and Ghosting: Experiencing halos around lights or ghosting (double vision on a single point of focus) are also indicators.
  • Pain and Swelling: Experiencing sudden pain or swelling in the eyes may indicate acute corneal hydrops, a rare but severe complication.

By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can take action early, potentially slowing down the progression of the disease and preserving your vision.

Preventing Keratoconus From Degrading

Preventing Keratoconus From Degrading

The best ways to maintain ocular health and prevent further degradation include:

  • Follow all prescribed corrective measures: These include the full range of options that were prescribed by an optometrist including the use of special prescription contact lenses and cross-linking. 
    • Scleral contact lenses: These special lenses are designed to reshape the cornea to its original spherical shape. 
    • Cross-linking: In this surgical procedure, a combination of riboflavin and UV light is used to strengthen the collagen fibers of the cornea and prevent further changes. May prevent the need for a corneal transplant.
    • Corneal inserts: This is another surgical procedure designed to prevent further alterations of shape to the cornea.
  • Scheduling comprehensive eye exams as needed. Speak with your optometrist to determine how frequent such testing should occur. 
  • Avoiding potentially injurious actions as eye-rubbing which can cause or aggravate this condition, or cause other ocular complications.
  • Remaining vigilant and reporting signs of any vision changes or problematic symptoms to your optometrist.
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Common Questions

While there's no natural cure for keratoconus, certain practices can help manage the condition. Avoiding eye rubbing and protecting the eyes from irritants are crucial. Following a healthy lifestyle that supports overall eye health can also be beneficial. Regular appointments with a keratoconus specialist for comprehensive examinations will ensure optimal management.
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Summary

Keratoconus is an ocular disease where vision becomes impaired as the eye changes shape from spherical to conical. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition, and they may change over time.  In order to prevent keratoconus from worsening, you will need to be diligent and adhere to your doctor's instructions. 

Depending on your condition at the time of diagnosis, a variety of surgical procedures may be options for improving vision and preventing further alterations to the shape of the eyes, such as cross-linking.

Scheduling periodic comprehensive ocular examinations will enable your optometrist to ensure that there are no further degradations in vision or ocular health. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our eye doctor, you can reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit. Our team of eye care professionals is ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.

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