Keratoconus

(Kerato / conus)

 

The prefix "Kerato-” means:  Cornea

The root “conus” means:       Cone-Shaped

                Cone-shaped cornea

 

Keratoconus is a cornea disease that causes corneal thinning. Gradually, the internal pressure of the eye bulges the cornea outwards where the cornea is thinnest, forming a cone shape.  A cone-shaped cornea causes light to scatter, resulting in blurred vision. In some cases, patients experience sensitivity to light and glare. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes and typically begins during puberty or in late teens. The condition is generally progressive; the size of the cone increases slowly over a period of 10 to 15 years.

 

There are no blood tests or genetic markers for Keratoconus.  Diagnosing the condition is based on five characteristics*:

 

1) Steepened keratometry ("K") readings

2) Low cornea pachymetry readings

3) The presence of an irregular topography

4) High astigmatism

5) High myopia

 

* Not all of these characteristics need to be present to make a diagnosis.