Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an abnormality of the cornea of the eye in which it has a conical form rather than the usual regular curvature.
(That this term concerns the cornea of the eye is indicated by the prefix "kerato-" which refers to the cornea of the eye, also applied to other terms in this section - as listed on the left).
Patients with keratoconus have corneas that each form a rounded apex (hence the appearance of being "cone shape") at its centre. That is, in most cases both eyes are affected, though not always symetrically - in many cases asymetrically.
Occurrence:
Keratoconus is a fairly common condition that typically develops during the patient's teens to 20s, and may be followed by progressive blurring of vision caused by astigmatism due to the increasingly conic shape of the cornea.
Typical Management:
Initially keratoconus may be managed by the use of prescribed spectacles. At later stages the refractive correction may be better achieved using contact lenses. Corneal grafting may be recommended in some advanced cases.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include
- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
The following books may also be of interest:
