What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is characterized by a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea. This condition typically begins during the teenage years or early adulthood and leads to a conical shape of the cornea rather than the normal spherical shape. As the cornea thins, it can distort vision due to changes in how light is refracted onto the retina, potentially causing issues such as blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light.

Understanding keratoconus is important, particularly in the context of optometric practice, as it may require specialized contact lenses or surgical interventions to correct vision problems. Unlike conditions that affect other parts of the eye, such as the retina or those resulting from infection, keratoconus is specifically concerned with the cornea's structure and function, highlighting its unique nature in the field of eye care.