Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a corneal disease that occurs when the normally round dome-shaped cornea (the clear outer area of the eye) progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop. It is typically diagnosed during adolescence and early adulthood with a variable rate of progression.

The bulging or “cone-shaped” protrusion is caused by the normal pressure of the eye pushing out on the thinned areas of the cornea. Since the cornea is responsible for refracting most of the light coming into your eye, an abnormal-shaped cornea can create reduced visual acuity and affect the way you see. This reduced visual acuity can make even simple daily tasks, such as driving, watching television or reading, difficult to perform.

In the past, the only way to alleviate symptoms, was to fit a rigid contact lens on the affected eye or by using Intra Corneal Ring Segments.  The condition could still progress, with about 10% requiring a corneal transplant.  There is a new treatment that uses Riboflavin and UV light to strengthen the collagen fibres of the cornea.  This helps to slow or even stop the progress, and when treated early enough, will make future correction with glasses or contact lens wear more successful. 

At Burlington Eyecare, we have teamed up with the Bochner Eye Institute to provide this remarkable therapy.