Can Keratoconus Make You Blind?

While keratoconus may cause a distortion in vision, there are treatments to help restore clarity. These include: Contact lenses: Specialized lenses such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses can improve vision by creating a smooth surface for the eye. Corneal Cross-Linking: This treatment strengthens the corneal tissue and halts the progression of keratoconus. Surgical options: In some cases, a corneal transplant or implantable contact lenses (ICL) can be used to restore vision.

The stages of keratoconus are determined based on the severity of the corneal distortion and can be classified into: Early stage: Mild bulging of the cornea with minimal symptoms. Often detected with a corneal topography exam. Moderate stage: Noticeable distortion and more severe vision problems. Often managed with specialized contact lenses. Advanced stage: Significant corneal scarring and severe vision impairment. Surgical intervention may be necessary. Your eye care specialist can assess the stage through tests like corneal mapping, slit-lamp examination, and topography.

Keratoconus progresses at different rates for each individual. It typically begins in the late teenage years or early twenties and can worsen over time, with the most rapid progression occurring between the ages of 20 and 30. However, progression can slow down or stabilize in some cases, especially with treatments like corneal cross-linking.

Achieving perfect 20/20 vision with keratoconus may be challenging due to the irregular shape of the cornea. However, with advanced treatment options like specialized contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, and in some cases, corneal transplants, many people with keratoconus can achieve significant vision improvement and functional vision that allows them to lead normal lives. The goal of treatment is to optimize vision as much as possible, even if 20/20 is not always attainable.