Posted on: 12/29/14
Keratoconus SurgeryKeratoconus…What Is It, What Can You Do?
Fort Collins and Denver keratoconus surgeon Dr. Paul Cutarelli performs keratoconus surgery often for those patients that suffer from this rare degenerative eye disease. Keratoconus occurs when the structure of the cornea isn’t strong enough to hold the natural round shape, resulting in the cornea bulging outward like a cone.
With the irregular shape of the cornea, it causes nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism. As these problems worsen, you’ll notice distorted and blurred vision as well as a sensitivity to light in some instances.
The Cause Of Keratoconus
While there is no concrete evidence to what causes keratoconus, it may be associated with the following:
– disorders such as enzyme abnormalities
– weak fibers of protein in the eye that hold the cornea in place
– wearing contact lenses for several years
– other eye conditions such as: vernal keratoconjunctivitis, retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity
Studys show that keratoconus may appear to be rooted in a person’s DNA. If someone in your family has keratoconus, we recommend you have your eye checked routinely.
Is Keratoconus Treatable
Yes, keratoconus is treatable. While initial treatment for keratoconus begins with eye glasses or contact lenses, next would be looking at corneal collagen cross-linking that can help prevent or delay corneal transplants. If you are in the Denver or Fort Collins area, contact Cutarelli Vision to explore your options for keratoconus treatment.
