At What Age Does Keratoconus Start?

Keratoconus is an eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outwards into a cone shape. This condition can affect vision and make it difficult to see clearly. Understanding when keratoconus starts is important, especially for early detection and treatment. In this article, we’ll explore at what age keratoconus typically begins and what signs to look out for.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, becomes thinner and gradually bulges outwards. The cornea is normally round and smooth, but with keratoconus, it becomes cone-shaped. This can distort vision, making it blurry or causing double vision.

When Does Keratoconus Typically Begin?

Keratoconus often starts in the teenage years. Most people with keratoconus will begin to notice symptoms between the ages of 10 and 25. However, the condition can also start later in life, but it’s much less common.

Why Does Keratoconus Develop in Teenagers?

During adolescence, the body goes through many changes. The cornea is no exception, and it can become thinner during this time. This is when keratoconus is most likely to begin developing. The early signs of keratoconus can be difficult to notice because they often appear gradually. Many people may not realise that their vision is changing until it becomes more severe.

Early Signs of Keratoconus

It’s important to spot the early signs of keratoconus. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Frequent changes in prescription glasses
• Double vision in one eye

These symptoms can be mistaken for other common vision problems, such as nearsightedness. However, if the symptoms are getting worse over time or if glasses or contact lenses don’t seem to help, it may be a sign of keratoconus.

How Successful Is Keratoconus Surgery?

How Fast Does Keratoconus Progress?

Keratoconus tends to progress slowly over time. In the early stages, it might only cause mild vision changes. However, as the condition worsens, the cornea continues to thin and bulge, leading to more significant vision problems. The progression of keratoconus varies from person to person. For some, the condition may progress rapidly, while for others, it may remain stable for many years.

The progression of keratoconus is often more rapid in younger people, particularly those who are still in their teenage years. This is why early detection is important. If keratoconus is diagnosed early, treatments are available to slow down the progression and protect vision.

What Causes Keratoconus?

The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to the development of the condition. These include:

• Genetics: Keratoconus can run in families. If a close relative has keratoconus, you may be more likely to develop it as well.
• Eye Rubbing: Frequent rubbing of the eyes can weaken the cornea over time, leading to keratoconus. This is particularly common in people who have allergies or other conditions that cause itchy eyes.
• Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to UV rays, may also play a role in the development of keratoconus. Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun is always a good idea.

What is the Cause of Keratoconus?

How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?

If you notice any changes in your vision, it’s important to see an eye doctor for an examination. Keratoconus is diagnosed through a detailed eye exam, which may include:

• Corneal Topography: This is a special test that maps the shape of the cornea. It can detect even the earliest signs of keratoconus.
• Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of the cornea. In people with keratoconus, the cornea will be thinner than normal.
• Slit-Lamp Exam: This is a routine part of an eye exam where the doctor uses a special microscope to look at the eye in detail.

Can Keratoconus Be Treated?

While keratoconus cannot be cured, several treatments can help manage the condition and improve vision. The type of treatment depends on how advanced the condition is.

In the early stages, glasses or contact lenses may be enough to correct vision. However, as keratoconus progresses, more advanced treatments may be needed, such as:

• Speciality Contact Lenses: These are custom-made lenses designed to fit the irregular shape of the cornea in people with keratoconus.
• Corneal Cross-Linking: This is a relatively new treatment that strengthens the cornea and can slow down or stop the progression of keratoconus. It’s most effective when the condition is caught early.
• Corneal Transplant: In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy one from a donor.

What Should You Avoid if You Have Keratoconus?

Is There a Way to Prevent Keratoconus?

There is no known way to prevent keratoconus, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if you have allergies or other conditions that cause itchiness.
• Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses when you’re outdoors.
• Have regular eye exams, especially if you have a family history of keratoconus.

Conclusion

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that often begins during the teenage years. While the exact cause is not fully understood, early detection is key to managing the condition and protecting vision. Regular eye exams and paying attention to changes in your vision are important steps in catching keratoconus early. If you think you might have keratoconus, it’s important to seek advice from an eye doctor as soon as possible.

How Do You Treat Keratoconus?

Take Control of Your Eye Health with Imperial Healthcare

At Imperial Healthcare, we specialise in providing comprehensive eye care services, including the early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus. Our experienced team of eye specialists is dedicated to preserving your vision and offering the best possible care. Don’t wait for your vision to worsen—schedule a consultation today and let us help you manage keratoconus and protect your eye health for the future. Contact Imperial Healthcare now to book your appointment!

What Happens If Keratoconus Is Left Untreated?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of keratoconus?

Early signs include blurry vision, light sensitivity, difficulty seeing at night, and frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses.

How fast does keratoconus progress?

The progression of keratoconus varies. For some, it progresses slowly over the years, while others may experience rapid changes, particularly in younger individuals.

What causes keratoconus?

Keratoconus may be caused by genetics, frequent eye rubbing, or environmental factors like UV exposure. The exact cause remains unclear.

How is keratoconus diagnosed?

Keratoconus is diagnosed through eye exams that include corneal topography, pachymetry, and slit-lamp exams to assess corneal shape and thickness.

Can keratoconus be cured?

Keratoconus cannot be cured, but treatments like speciality contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, and in severe cases, corneal transplants can help manage the condition.

How can keratoconus be prevented?

There is no known prevention, but avoiding eye rubbing, protecting your eyes from UV rays, and regular eye exams can reduce risk and aid early detection.