​Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea of the eye, the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. It is a degenerative disorder, whereby the cornea thins down, and its shape changes, making it more conical. Because of the irregular shape of the cornea, light cannot be focused correctly on the retina, causing blurred vision and sensitivity to light. This affects various activities, which you cannot do properly if you have keratoconus, such as driving, working on a computer, reading or watching television.

Keratoconus usually affects both eyes and is more common in younger people between ten to twenty five years of age. People with a family history of this disease are also at a higher risk. As it’s a degenerative disorder, it progresses slowly over ten years or longer.

Keratoconus occurs when fibres (collagen) that hold the cornea together weaken, causing the cornea to lose shape. This can happen due to an imbalance of protective enzymes in the cornea or due to a previous eye disorder such as retinitis pigmentosa. It can also occur due to excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, wearing poorly fitting contact lenses, vigorous eye rubbing or chronic eye irritation.

When to seek expert advice

If you suspect you or your child may have keratoconus, consult an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) at the Department of Ophthalmology to get an expert medical opinion.

Worsening of the above symptoms could be an indication that the disorder is progressing, and immediate medical advice must be sought.​