Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and bulges out into a cone shape

We can stabilise this condition with corneal crosslinking

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and bulges out into a cone shape

We can stabilise this condition with corneal crosslinking

Stop keratoconus in its tracks and achieve peace of mind

Quickly discover more about this condition and how we treat it
Keratoconus incidence / prevalence
  • Keratoconus occurs in approximately one in 2,000 individuals, typically beginning in puberty and progressing into the mid-30s.
  • Keratoconus occurs when your cornea – the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye – thins and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape.
  • A cone-shaped cornea causes blurred vision and may cause sensitivity to light and glare. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, though it often affects one eye more than the other. It generally begins to affect people between the ages of 10 and 25. The condition may progress slowly for 10 years or longer.
  • Signs and symptoms of keratoconus may change as the disease progresses. They include:
    • Blurred or distorted vision
    • Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare, which can cause problems with night driving
    • A need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
    • Sudden worsening or clouding of vision.
  • The exact cause of keratoconus is not known, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved. Around 1 in 10 people with keratoconus also have a parent with the condition.
  • To diagnose keratoconus, we will review your medical and family history and conduct an eye exam.
  • Tests to diagnose keratoconus include:
    • Eye refraction. We use special equipment that measures your eyes to check for vision problems.
    • Slit-lamp examination. We direct a vertical beam of light on the surface of your eye and use a low-powered microscope to view your eye. We can then evaluate the shape of your cornea and look for other potential problems in your eye.
    • Keratometry. In this test, your eye doctor focuses a circle of light on your cornea and measures the reflection to determine the basic shape of your cornea.
    • Computerised corneal mapping. We perform special photographic tests, such as corneal tomography and corneal topography, which record images to create a detailed shape map of your cornea. We can then use these to detect early signs of keratoconus.
  • Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of your condition and how quickly the condition is progressing.
  • Generally, there are two approaches to treating keratoconus: slowing the progression of the disease and improving your vision.
  • Improving your vision depends on the severity of keratoconus. Mild to moderate keratoconus can be treated with glasses or contact lenses. However, this will likely be a long-term treatment, especially if your cornea becomes stable with time or from cross-linking.
  • If your keratoconus is progressing, we may suggest corneal collagen cross-linking treatment to slow or stop the progression. This is a newer treatment that has the potential to prevent you from needing a cornea transplant in the future. However, this treatment does not reverse keratoconus or improve vision.
  • In advanced keratoconus, the cornea may be too irregular to benefit from corneal crosslinking. In this instance we would recommend intacs. Intacs are implantable, plastic, C-shaped rings that are used to flatten the surface of the cornea, allowing improved vision.
  • In some people with keratoconus, the cornea becomes scarred with advanced disease or wearing contact lenses becomes difficult. In these people, cornea transplant surgery might be necessary.
Who is at risk of keratoconus?

  • While keratoconus is not a rare eye disease, it also does not occur very often. So far, there has not been any definitive answer as to why keratoconus occurs in one person and not the other. Eye rubbing and ocular allergies are closely linked with keratoconus; hence in the early stages of the disease, you should limit eye rubbing.

Say goodbye to your vision problems and start seeing life in a whole new way

Take your first step today in exploring all that you can do for healthy, vibrant eyes.

Say goodbye to your vision problems and start seeing life in a whole new way

Take your first step today in exploring all that you can do for healthy, vibrant eyes.

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Say goodbye to your vision problems and start seeing life in a whole new way

Take your first step today in exploring all that you can do for healthy, vibrant eyes.

Say goodbye to your vision problems and start seeing life in a whole new way

Take your first step today in exploring all that you can do for healthy, vibrant eyes.

Academic resources on keratoconus

Learn more about keratoconus from authoritative sources. These links will take you off our website.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, leading to distorted vision. This article explores its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Click here to learn more.

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease causing visual impairment. This abstract summarizes its epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, classification, and treatment options, providing a comprehensive overview of the condition. Click here to learn more.

This abstract explores the use of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) as a treatment for keratoconus and highlights its efficacy in halting disease progression and improving visual outcomes. Click here for more information.

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Hello, I’m Lucia Pelosini MD, your eye surgeon in Surrey & Kent

My vision is to provide my patients with warm and personalised guidance through their cataract surgery journey from start to finish. I run a highly individualized service to treat discerning patients with presbyopia (aging eyes) and cataracts who want the best treatment and technology available.

Ms. Lucia Pelosini

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon,
MD, MRCSEd, FRCOphth, CertLRS