What is Keratoconus? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Importance of Early Treatment Keratoconus is an eye disease that occurs when the cornea gradually becomes thinner and tapers forward, impairing the quality of vision. It usually starts in adolescence, but in many cases it gives its first symptoms in childhood in the form of increased Myopia-Astigmatism. When diagnosed …
What is Keratoconus? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Importance of Early Treatment
Keratoconus is an eye disease that occurs when the cornea gradually becomes thinner and tapers forward, impairing the quality of vision. It usually starts in adolescence, but in many cases it gives its first symptoms in childhood in the form of increased Myopia-Astigmatism.
When diagnosed early, its progression can be stopped, but if it is late, a process that can progress up to corneal transplantation may occur.
First Symptom of Keratoconus in Children: Frequently Changing Myopia-Astigmatism Numbers
Keratoconus usually starts at an early age. The first finding in children may be rapidly increasing myopia and astigmatism.
It is quite common to be given new glasses at every eye examination, saying “the number is advanced”. However, early stage keratoconus may underlie this condition.
At this stage, eye examination alone is not sufficient to make a diagnosis. Corneal topography must be performed to detect keratoconus.
Why is Early Diagnosis Difficult?
In the early stages, keratoconus does not cause significant complaints.
If corneal topography is not performed during the examination, the diagnosis is only recognized when the disease progresses.
The main reasons for failure to diagnose at an early stage:
- Heavy patient traffic in clinics
- Accepting the increase in the number of glasses as normal
- Topography devices are not available in every center
- Neglect of detailed examinations in children
However, keratoconus cannot be detected by spectacle examination alone; it requires a corneal map.
How is Keratoconus Diagnosed?
The definitive diagnosis of keratoconus is made with high-tech imaging devices such as Pentacam and Sirius. These devices
- The slope map of the cornea
- Thickness distribution of the cornea
- Irregularity and thinning areas
- Optical defects on the surface of the eye
in detail.
The aim of early diagnosis is to strengthen the corneal structure and preserve vision before the disease progresses.
Early Diagnosis Protocol at Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital
At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital, corneal topography is performed as a standard part of the initial examination, no matter how old the patient is.
Thanks to this application:
- Keratoconus can be detected early
- Unnecessary eyeglass changes are avoided
- Early assessment of the risk of disease progression
- CXL treatment can be planned immediately in suitable patients
This approach allows keratoconus to be recognized sooner rather than later in both children and adults.
Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu’s Awareness Activities
Prof. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu has been raising awareness of both doctors and families about “corneal topography at an early age” for years.
The purpose of his posts on national and international platforms:
- Considering the possibility of keratoconus in children with rapidly progressing myopia and astigmatism
- Directing families to the right examination in the early period
- To make it possible to treat the disease that starts at a young age before it is too late
Thanks to this awareness, keratoconus has been caught at an early stage in many young patients and its progression has been halted.
What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Symptoms of keratoconus in the later stages are as follows:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Light scattering and night vision difficulties
- Double or shaded vision
- Frequent changes in spectacle numbers
- Discomfort in contact lens wear
Corneal topography should be performed when these symptoms are noticed.
Keratoconus Treatment Methods
- Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
It is the most effective and scientific treatment method to stop the progression of the disease.
Riboflavin and UV light are used to strengthen the cornea.
- Special Design Contact Lenses
RGP, hybrid or scleral lenses optically smooth the irregular surface of the cornea and improve vision.
- Ring Implants (Keraring, CAIRS)
In suitable patients, it improves the quality of vision by regulating the corneal surface.
- Topography Guided Laser + CXL
In selected cases, it can be applied to reduce irregularities.
- Cornea Transplant
It is a surgical method used in advanced stages when other treatments are inadequate.
Conclusion: Early Diagnosis Saves Vision
Keratoconus is a disease that starts at an early age, but can be controlled with proper follow-up and treatment.
Corneal topography performed at the first examination of each patient at Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital provides a great advantage in the early diagnosis of the disease.
Early diagnosis is the key to halting progression and preventing vision loss.
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