At the Germantown Vision Care Center, our professional eye care specialists can diagnose and treat keratoconus, an eye condition that affects one out of ten people. Keratoconus is a possible reason for nearsightedness or astigmatism, and it can affect people between the ages of 10 and 20. Keratoconus usually happens in both eyes, though not always to the same degree.

What Causes Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a type of corneal disorder where the cornea becomes cone-shaped rather than retaining its normally smooth, round shape. This cone-shape change is caused by a thinning of the cornea, usually due to enzymes imbalances within the cornea. This affects how light passes through the lens to the retina, similar to how light will go through a piece of glass. If the cornea is healthy and normal, images of light are correctly displayed on the retina, giving good vision. But as the cornea becomes cone-shaped, all kinds of vision problems start to happen.

Common Symptoms of Keratoconus

With keratoconus, you may experience a sudden change of vision in one or both eyes, have double vision in one eye, see ghost images in both eyes, be sensitive to light, or see objects both far and near distorted. You may notice bright lights having halos around them, or find it difficult to drive at night. It is not uncommon for keratoconus to cause eye aches or headaches.

Diagnosing Keratoconus and Treating It

Eye examinations by our optometrists can detect the early signs of keratoconus. Our eye doctors will dilate your eyes to examine the center area of your eye, and may measure your cornea with a special device known as a keratometer.

Treating keratoconus varies with each person. For most cases, glasses and special types of contact lenses can be prescribed and fitted to treat this condition. Our doctors can refer you to a qualified eye surgeon if surgery is necessary to improve your vision, and pre- and post-operative care can be done at our optometry office.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Appointment Today!

Our optometrists at here at the Germantown Vision Care Center help patients in Montgomery County, Maryland improve their vision from keratoconus. Contact us today if you want to schedule an appointment, or if you have questions about our services. Call (301) 540-1555 or request an appointment here our website.