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Frequently asked questions
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What
is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus, commonly called KC, is an eye condition which affects
the cornea. The cornea is the transparent window of the eye. It
normally affects both eyes where one eye progresses faster than
the other. Keratoconus progressively thins the cornea causing a
cone-shaped bulge which distorts vision. The cause of Keratoconus
is unknown and there is no known cure.
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Can
Keratoconus Lead to Blindness?
No. People with Keratoconus do not go blind. However, it is very
important to be under the regular care of an eye specialist so that
he/she can observe and treat possible complications related to KC.
Thanks to modern contact lenses and surgical techniques; most people
with Keratoconus achieve good visual acuity for the majority of
their lives. It is rare for someone with Keratoconus to be severely
visually disabled for long periods of time.
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What
are the Treatment Options for Keratoconus?
The type of treatment options for KC depends on the progression
of the disease. There is no treatment option currently available
that slows down or stops the disease. Therefore, all treatment options
are for treating the symptom; that of distorted and reduced vision.
Delaying a particular treatment option has not been proven to have
an affect on the progression of the disease. In the beginning, Keratoconus
can be sufficiently corrected with glasses and soft lenses. Later
on, as the cornea becomes thinner, glasses no longer correct vision
and rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) are required. Unlike glasses
and soft lenses, which optically correct the visual error, these
lenses are designed to create a smooth corneal surface. Intacs and
Ferrara rings are new treatment options that can be used to enhance
or replace the use of RGP lenses. The most advanced cases of KC
cannot be sufficiently corrected even with RGP lenses and require
a cornea transplant.
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Can
Contact Lenses Stop the Progression of Keratoconus?
No. The cause of Keratoconus is unknown and therefore there is no
known method to slow down or stop its progression. Years ago it was
thought that RGP lenses helped in some way to slow down progression,
but that is now known to be false. Contact lenses are used only as
a method to correct vision. If glasses offer adequate and acceptable
vision for the person, then there is no reason why they should not
stay with them. |
What
are the Causes of Keratoconus?
It is unknown what exactly causes KC or why it affects some people
worse than others. There are some indications however that it is an
inherited condition and sometimes it skips generations. Keratoconus
usually appears during puberty and is frequently associated with allergic
episodes. Eye rubbing has also been linked and should be avoided.
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What
are the Common Symptoms of Keratoconus?
In the beginning, people with Keratoconus usually complain of deteriorating
vision. It happens mostly in one eye first, both at distance and
near. People try to improve vision by squinting or holding printed
material closer. People with Keratoconus often report multiple images,
or ghosting of images. Frequent eye glass prescription changes are
another symptom. Other symptoms include intolerance to glare, photophobia
and a recurrent foreign body sensation. .
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Can
Using a Computer Cause Keratoconus to Worsen?
No. There is no link between Keratoconus and computer use. Computer
eye strain is a problem with all computer users not just those with
Keratoconus. However, since many people with Keratoconus wear lenses,
their eyes tend to dry out quicker. They also have problems with
contrast and font sizes. Good computer practice is very important
to avoid eye strain. Under European legislation a person should
take a 15 minute break from the computer after two hours of continuous
work. Using good computer practice and taking regular breaks should
help reduce the effects of computer eye strain.
I've Just
Been Diagnosed. Will I lose my job? Should I Stop Thinking About
Going to University or Give Up on My Future Ambitions?
Keratoconus does affect people's lives; however it does not stop
their lives. The vast majority are able to keep their jobs, go to
university, college, etc. Most people are able to carry out any
dreams or ambitions they may have. Of course there are examples
of jobs and activities that may be limited due to very strict visual
requirements such as pilots, military, etc. But there are examples
of people with Keratoconus, who even with transplants, work in dusty
warehouses, do manual work, travel where they want, and do almost
anything they want. There are also people with Keratoconus studying
as doctors at University, holding down important jobs in industry
from finance to the computer field and many, many more. Having Keratoconus
does not mean the end of your current way of life or your future
dreams. There are countless examples of people with Keratoconus
who are living their lives, fighting and beating Keratoconus!
Can
you think of a good question that we have missed ? Please e-mail
us at feedback@KCsupport.org
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