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Keratoconus
The following excerpt is
taken directly from www.nkcf.org which is the
website for the National Keratoconus Foundation. Follow this link to find
out more about this condition.
KERATOCONUS
(
KEHR-a-toh-kohn-nus)
Keratoconus,
often abbreviated to "KC", is a non-inflammatory eye condition in
which the normally round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins causing a
cone-like bulge to develop. This results in significant visual impairment. The
cornea is the clear window of the eye and is responsible for refracting most of
the light coming into the eye. Therefore, abnormalities of the cornea severely
affect the way we see the world, making simple tasks like driving, watching TV
or reading a book, difficult.
In its earliest stages, keratoconus
causes slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to
glare and light. These symptoms usually first appear in the late teens and early
twenties. Keratoconus may progress for 10-20 years and then slow in its
progression. Each eye may be affected differently.
Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild
nearsightedness and astigmatism that is caused in the early stages of
keratoconus. As the disorder progresses and the cornea continues to thin and
change shape, rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be prescribed to correct
vision more adequately. The contact lenses must be carefully fitted, and
frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good
vision. In recent years, intra corneal rings (ICR's), called corneal
implants by IntacsŪ, have been quit successful at restoring good eyesight when
glasses and contacts fail.
In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be needed due to scarring, extreme
thinning or contact lens intolerance. This is a surgical procedure that replaces
the keratoconus cornea with healthy donor tissue.
If you have keratoconus or have a relative or friend with keratoconus, this web
site will provide information to help you better understand this eye condition.
More information on KC can
be found at the following sites:
http://intacsforkeratoconus.com
http://www.discoveryfund.com/keratoconus.html
- Discovery Fund for Eye Research
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