Keratoconus Diagnosis & Treatment in Chicago, IL
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the normally round, dome-shaped cornea to gradually thin and bulge outward into a cone shape — distorting vision in ways that glasses and soft contact lenses alone often cannot fully correct. At Ideal Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists use advanced corneal topography technology to detect keratoconus in its earliest stages and provide personalized treatment to preserve your vision and quality of life.
request an appointmentWhat Is Keratoconus?
A healthy cornea is shaped like a segment of a perfect sphere and plays a critical role in focusing light onto the retina. Keratoconus occurs when the structural integrity of the cornea weakens, causing it to progressively thin and protrude forward into an irregular cone shape. This abnormal curvature scatters light entering the eye rather than focusing it to a clear point, resulting in significantly distorted, blurry, and fluctuating vision. Keratoconus typically affects both eyes, though often asymmetrically, and generally develops in the teenage years or early adulthood, progressing at varying rates into a patient’s 30s and 40s.
The exact causes of keratoconus are not fully understood, but it is believed to have a strong genetic component and is associated with chronic eye rubbing, ocular allergies, atopic dermatitis, and certain connective tissue disorders. Research also suggests links to astigmatism and other refractive conditions.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Because keratoconus develops gradually, early symptoms are often subtle and easy to overlook or attribute to ordinary refractive errors. As the condition progresses, patients typically experience:
- Blurred or distorted vision that worsens over time
- Increased astigmatism that changes frequently, requiring regular prescription updates
- Sensitivity to light and glare, particularly at night
- Halos or streaking around light sources
- Redness and eye irritation
- Difficulty seeing clearly even with glasses or soft contact lenses
How Is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
Keratoconus is diagnosed at Ideal Family Eye Care using corneal topography — a specialized imaging test that creates a detailed map of the corneal surface. This is the most sensitive tool available for detecting keratoconus, often identifying it before clinical symptoms are noticeable. Early detection is critical because treatment options are far more effective when initiated before significant corneal thinning and distortion have occurred.
Keratoconus Treatment Options
Treatment for keratoconus at Ideal Family Eye Care depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Options range from conservative to surgical:
- Specialty rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses: The most common method to restore good vision. Custom hard lenses are fitted based on corneal topography maps, creating a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea to improve visual acuity.
- Glasses and soft contact lenses: Effective in mild early-stage keratoconus.
- Corneal cross-linking (CXL): A procedure using riboflavin drops and UV light to stimulate collagen bonds in the cornea, strengthening it and halting the progression of keratoconus. This is typically recommended in the early stages of active progression.
- Intacs implantation: Tiny crescent-shaped polymer inserts placed in the cornea to reshape its front surface, flattening the cone and improving visual acuity.
- Corneal transplant: Reserved for severe cases where other methods are no longer effective. Involves replacing the irregular corneal tissue with donor tissue.
To schedule a keratoconus evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care in Chicago, IL , call us at (773) 774-2200 or book online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keratoconus
What is keratoconus and how does it affect vision?
Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease where the cornea thins and bulges into an irregular cone shape, scattering light and causing blurry, distorted vision, increased astigmatism, and sensitivity to light and glare. It typically begins in the teenage years or early adulthood.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
Keratoconus is diagnosed using corneal topography at Ideal Family Eye Care, which maps the precise shape and curvature of the corneal surface in detail. This test can detect keratoconus in its earliest stages — often before symptoms are noticeable — making it the gold standard for diagnosis.
Can keratoconus be corrected with glasses?
In its earliest stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may provide adequate vision correction. As keratoconus progresses, the irregular corneal shape typically makes standard lenses insufficient. Specialty rigid gas-permeable or scleral contact lenses fitted based on corneal topography maps become the primary means of vision correction.
Can keratoconus be stopped from getting worse?
Yes. Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a procedure that strengthens the corneal structure to halt the progression of keratoconus. It is most effective when performed in the early stages of active progression. Our providers at Ideal Family Eye Care monitor keratoconus closely and can refer for CXL when appropriate.
Is keratoconus hereditary?
Keratoconus has a significant genetic component — approximately 10% of patients have a family member with the condition. If keratoconus runs in your family, regular comprehensive eye exams including corneal topography screening at Ideal Family Eye Care are especially important.
Does eye rubbing cause keratoconus?
Chronic, vigorous eye rubbing is a well-established risk factor for both triggering and worsening keratoconus. Patients with ocular allergies or other conditions that cause eye itching should seek effective treatment to reduce the urge to rub their eyes.
How do I schedule a keratoconus evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or book online. Our providers will perform a corneal topography evaluation and comprehensive eye exam to assess whether keratoconus is present and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.