# Keratoconus Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/keratoconus **Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-11 > **Summary:** Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea thins and bulges forward like a cone, causing irregular astigmatism that glasses and contact lenses cannot fully correct. Treatment follows the stage of the disease: glasses or rigid lenses early, crosslinking to halt progression, a corneal ring implant for an irregular cornea and a transplant in advanced disease. ## Quick Facts - **Diagnosis:** Corneal topography and tomography, not a spectacle prescription - **Typical Course:** Progresses in the teenage and young adult years, slowing in most patients after their thirties - **Laser Correction:** Not performed on eyes with keratoconus --- ## What is Keratoconus? The cornea is the transparent front layer of the eye and determines the degree of refraction of the eye. In keratoconus its curvature gradually increases and it bulges forward, creating astigmatism that is not symmetrical across the cornea and cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses, which can severely affect vision and quality of life. The exact cause is unknown; genetic predisposition, eye rubbing, allergic conditions and some environmental factors are thought to play a role, and it is more common in people with a family history. ## Symptoms - Irregular myopia and astigmatism - Increased sensitivity to light - Double vision, glare and rings around lights - Ghost images while driving - Burning, stinging and redness - A prescription that keeps changing, astigmatism that keeps increasing and blur that glasses do not fix are often the first clues; patients may be unhappy with repeatedly renewed glasses or fail repeated attempts at contact lenses. ## Diagnosis - Corneal topography and tomography map the front and back surfaces point by point and show where the cornea has thinned and steepened. - A visual acuity test alone can miss early keratoconus. - Corneal mapping before laser surgery picks up undiagnosed keratoconus. ## Does it Progress? Keratoconus usually progresses in the teenage and young adult years, generally faster at a younger age, and slows in most patients after their thirties, but this is not a rule for everyone. Progression can only be confirmed by repeating the same measurement months apart. If it is progressing, the priority is to stop it; if stable, the aim is to correct the vision the eye has. --- ## Treatment by Stage The steps are not alternatives; they follow the stage of the disease. - **Early stage:** Glasses or rigid gas permeable contact lenses; hard or other special lenses when glasses are no longer sufficient. - **Crosslinking:** When progression is demonstrated; it halts the disease but does not reshape the cornea. - **Intracorneal ring implant:** When the cornea is too irregular for glasses or lenses to give useful vision. - **Keratoplasty (corneal transplant):** In advanced disease, once the cornea loses its clarity or permanent clouding (scarring) develops in its centre. **Why not laser?** Standard eye laser thins the cornea, which is already thinned and weakened in keratoconus, so these methods are not performed. ## Check-ups The interval depends on age and whether the disease is progressing: more frequent for younger patients and newly diagnosed eyes, less frequent for eyes shown to be stable. Corneal mapping is repeated and compared at every visit, because progression usually begins unnoticed. ## Price The price depends on the stage at diagnosis, how much the cornea is affected and the operation to be performed; the plan set after examination varies from person to person. No figures are given on the page. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What causes keratoconus?** A: The exact cause is unknown; genetic predisposition, eye rubbing, allergic conditions and some environmental factors are thought to contribute. **Q: How is keratoconus diagnosed?** A: With a detailed eye examination and corneal topography, which analyses the shape and curvature of the cornea. **Q: Does keratoconus progress?** A: Usually yes, at a rate that varies between people and is generally faster at a younger age. **Q: Can keratoconus patients wear glasses?** A: In the early stages. In advanced cases glasses are not enough and hard or other special contact lenses may be needed. **Q: Is keratoconus genetic?** A: It is associated with genetic factors and more common with a family history; people with a predisposition should have regular eye examinations.