What Are the Early Symptoms of Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. By recognizing the early signs of keratoconus, you can take proactive steps toward treatment, including the use of advanced specialty contact lenses that can restore clear, comfortable vision.
 

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the normally round cornea gradually thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to distorted and blurry vision. The condition often begins during the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress over time. While the exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and cellular factors. Early diagnosis and proper management are essential to preserve vision and prevent further complications.
 

Common Early Symptoms of Keratoconus

• Blurry or Distorted Vision: One of the earliest signs of keratoconus is blurred or distorted vision that is not easily corrected with standard glasses. You may notice that straight lines appear wavy or that your vision looks stretched or shadowed.

• Increased Light Sensitivity: Many people with keratoconus experience discomfort in bright light or glare, especially at night. This can make activities like night driving more challenging.

• Frequent Changes in Prescription: If you find yourself needing new glasses or contact lens prescriptions more often than usual, it may be a sign that keratoconus is progressing.

• Ghosting or Double Vision in One Eye: Another early symptom includes seeing multiple images or "ghosting," particularly when looking at lights. This can happen even when only one eye is open.

• Eye Strain or Headaches: Struggling to see clearly can lead to eye strain or frequent headaches, especially after long periods of reading or screen use.
   

How Specialty Contact Lenses Can Help

While eyeglasses may help in the very early stages, most keratoconus patients benefit significantly from specialty contact lenses designed to provide a smoother optical surface.
 

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses maintain their shape on the eye, helping to correct the irregular curvature of the cornea. They offer clearer vision than traditional soft lenses for those with keratoconus.

• Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white of the eye). They provide excellent comfort and clarity by creating a smooth surface and a fluid reservoir that hydrates the eye.

• Hybrid Lenses: These lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring, offering the clarity of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses.
   

At Modern iCare Optometry, we specialize in fitting these advanced lenses to help patients with keratoconus regain clear, comfortable vision.
 

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Today 

Recognizing the early symptoms of keratoconus is the first step toward protecting your sight. With early diagnosis and the right specialty contact lenses, you can manage this condition effectively and continue to enjoy life with clear vision.
 

Schedule an eye exam with Modern iCare Optometry and explore your options for keratoconus management with expert care and customized lens solutions. Contact our office in Palm Desert, California, or call (760) 674-7272 to book an appointment today.