Keratoconus in Auckland, NZ FAQ
What is keratoconus and its types?
Keratoconus is an eye disease condition where your vision turns blurry or distorted because of the thinning of the cornea. It can also increase one’s sensitivity to light.
Can I go blind if I have keratoconus?
Not necessarily. Having keratoconus will not cause total blindness for you, but if not treated right away, it may worsen your impaired vision which can lead to loss of vision.
How do I get keratoconus?
As of this date, there are still no definite answers behind the causes of this eye disease. However, it is believed by medical experts that genetics have a significant role in contributing to the said condition.
Is keratoconus a serious medical condition?
Keratoconus is not life-threatening, but one that is not supposed to be taken lightly as untreated keratoconus may lead to visual impairment in the long run.
Can keratoconus be reversed?
No because keratoconus is a progressive eye disease - it will only keep moving forward. Although it cannot be reversed, it can be slowed down through certain treatment options which you can discuss with your ophthalmologist.
Who is prone to getting keratoconus?
Keratoconus usually starts to occur as early as the age of 10 up til the age of 25, on average.
Is keratoconus hereditary?
There are no official studies that confirm it yet, but the experts believe that acquiring keratoconus through genes is possible and associated with the lack of collagen in the cornea.
Does applying eye drop help in reducing keratoconus?
Eye drops do not significantly help in reducing keratoconus.
What are the main symptoms of keratoconus?
The main symptoms of keratoconus include the following:
Cloudy, blurry and distorted line of vision
Frequent changing of eyewear (e.g. eyeglasses, contact lenses)
Difficulty with night vision
At what age is someone at risk of getting keratoconus?
Keratoconus may occur at any age, particularly in the 20s, or sometimes even younger.
Can keratoconus be cured naturally?
There is no cure available for keratoconus, but your ophthalmologist and optometrist can help you come with a treatment plan to slow down its progress.
When do I know if my keratoconus is already severe?
A severe keratoconus condition usually entails cloudy vision which is associated with difficulty with night vision, and extra sensitivity to glare and light. One known severe condition is called corneal hydrop
Does wearing eyeglasses help in improving keratoconus?
This depends on the severity of the keratoconus; a mild condition may gradually improve with the help of eyeglasses. A more severe condition may require surgery such as a cornea transplant, and may still require to wear eyeglasses afterwards for maintenance.
Does keratoconus affect both eyes?
It is possible for keratoconus to affect both eyes, although only one usually experiences it.
What is the best treatment option for keratoconus in Auckland, NZ?
The best treatment option depends on the severity of your keratoconus. Oftentimes, early and mild stages of the eye disease may be corrected with the use of soft contact lenses. Severe cases usually require surgery options, such as a corneal graft, where we replace the cornea via a donor. In order to determine the suitable treatment plan for you, it is best to consult with your trusted eye doctors at NVision Eyecare!
