An Overview of Keratoconus from Arena Eye Care Optometry
There are many reasons why patients come to see us; however, one condition that we see on a regular basis is called keratoconus. This is a condition that impacts the way the cornea transmits light as it enters the eyes. The cornea is a clear window at the front of the eye. It is shaped like a dome. The job of the cornea is to keep the light focused as it passes through it into the eye. If someone has keratoconus, the cornea starts to thin out. Then, it begins to bulge, in the shape of a cone. This will lead to a variety of symptoms that impact someone’s ability to see. For this reason, it is important for everyone to rely on a trained eye doctor to treat this condition. Anyone who is looking for an eye doctor in Sacramento should rely on the experts at Arena Eye Care Optometry for help!
What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
If someone is developing keratoconus, there are a few signs and symptoms that people might notice. First, there might not be any symptoms at all. Gradually, as the cornea starts to change, this is going to lead to blurry vision. The way one sees might appear distorted. This makes daily tasks, such as reading a book or driving a car, more difficult. As a result, it is important for everyone to get keratoconus treated as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Keratoconus
Typically, someone with keratoconus is going to be diagnosed using a routine eye exam. The optometrist takes a close look at the patients cornea, measures the curvature of the eye. Then, the eye doctor discusses treatment options. The treatment is dictated by the severity of the signs and symptoms. In some cases, people might simply require specialized eyeglasses. In other situations, more invasive treatments might be required. For example, the eye doctor might recommend Intacs, which are surgically implanted into the cornea to flatten it. Sometimes, the eye doctor will recommend special UV light to strengthen the cornea. This is called collagen cross-linking and is done to stop keratoconus from worsening. Finally, in severe situations, corneal transplants might be recommended as a treatment option.
Call Us Today To Learn More!
If you are interested in learning more about keratoconus or how we can help you, please give us a call today. At Arena Eye Care Optometry, our goal is to provide complete eye care to everyone in the Sacramento area. We have a cornea topographer that is used on everyone during their comprehensive eye exam. The topographer maps out the shape of the cornea so keratoconus can be diagnosed quite easily and is completely painless. That means we can diagnose keratoconus before one even develops symptoms! Then, one can have collagen cross linking done to prevent one from developing symptoms. We will do everything we can to educate you about your eyes and make sure that your vision is protected for years to come. Call us at (916) 419-8167 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Krister L Holmberg or Dr. Shephali Patel at Arena Eye Care Optometry today!
