Keratoconus Eye Tests: How We Examine Your Eyes

Have you ever wondered why your vision keeps changing despite getting new glasses? Could a common eye condition be silently affecting your eyesight? You might be experiencing keratoconus, an eye condition where your cornea thins and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape. This can cause blurry, distorted vision.

I’m Dr. Nick Papadopoulos, the owner and principal optometrist at Optometrist Parramatta, and I’m passionate about helping my patients achieve the best possible vision. With decades of experience in serving our community through advanced eye care, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that conditions like keratoconus can have on a person’s quality of life.

Early eye tests for keratoconus can prevent complications that may impact your daily activities. And taking proactive steps now can save you from potential vision loss.

Keep reading to learn why this could be the most important eye test you ever take.


3 Key Takeaways from the Article:

  • Early diagnosis of keratoconus is critical to prevent progression and protect long-term vision.

  • Comprehensive eye exams, including corneal topography and thickness measurements, are essential tools in detecting keratoconus.

  • Addressing keratoconus with the right treatment plan can significantly improve vision and quality of life.

keratoconus examination in sydney

The Importance of Keratoconus Eye Tests

How can a condition like keratoconus change the way you see the world? Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea, which is usually round, starts to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This abnormal shape deflects light as it enters the eye, leading to distorted vision.

For those living with keratoconus, everyday tasks like reading or driving at night can become increasingly challenging as the condition worsens. The early signs often include blurred vision and light sensitivity, but the changes don’t stop there.

You might notice frequent shifts in your eyeglass prescription, or start seeing double and halos around lights. These symptoms can be both frustrating and concerning, making it essential to understand what keratoconus is and how it impacts your vision.

Catching this condition early allows us to manage its progression more effectively, which can make a significant difference in preserving your vision over the long term.

Early intervention can slow down or even halt the progression, preventing the need for more invasive treatments later on.

Unfortunately, if keratoconus is diagnosed late, the options become more limited, and managing advanced stages becomes much more challenging.

Misdiagnosis is also a risk, as keratoconus can sometimes be confused with other conditions like amblyopia. That’s why regular, comprehensive eye tests and keratoconus eye testing is important especially for those at higher risk.


Comprehensive Eye Exams

How thorough should an eye exam be, especially when it comes to detecting conditions like keratoconus? At Optometrist Parramatta, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to eye care that ensures every aspect of your vision and eye health is carefully evaluated. Our signature 360° Eye Test is a detailed assessment that goes beyond the standard eye exam. It’s designed to detect not only the usual refractive errors but also more complex conditions like keratoconus, which can be easily missed without the right diagnostic tools.

The 360° Eye Test starts with a complete evaluation of your vision, including checks for visual acuity, eye muscle function, and how your eyes work together as a team. This is followed by a series of tests that assess the health of the entire eye, from the front (cornea) to the back (retina). We use advanced imaging technologies to get a detailed look at the structures of your eye, which allows us to catch any early signs of abnormalities that might indicate a condition like keratoconus.

For those at higher risk of keratoconus, such as individuals with a family history of the condition or those who experience frequent changes in their prescription, specialized eye tests for keratoconus become even more critical. Corneal topography is one of the key tests we use; it maps the shape of your cornea with precision. This test can reveal the subtle changes in corneal shape that are characteristic of keratoconus, even before the condition significantly affects your vision.

We also perform corneal thickness measurements, as thinning of the cornea is another hallmark of keratoconus. Detecting this thinning early allows us to monitor the condition closely and take steps to manage it before it progresses. In addition, we conduct a slit-lamp examination, which involves using a high-intensity light and microscope to examine the front part of your eye in detail. This allows us to spot any corneal abnormalities or scarring that could be linked to keratoconus.

Regular eye exams are particularly important for those at high risk, as early detection of keratoconus can make a significant difference in managing the condition and preserving your vision. By staying on top of your eye health with comprehensive and specialized tests, you give yourself the best chance of catching issues early and addressing them effectively.

Understanding Your Test Results

How do you make sense of the results from your keratoconus eye tests? One of the key tools we use is corneal topography, which creates a detailed map of your cornea’s shape. If keratoconus is present, this map will reveal a distinctive cone-like bulge, indicating areas where the cornea is thinning and protruding. Monitoring these changes over time is crucial, as it helps us track the progression of the condition and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Another important aspect of your test results is corneal thickness measurements. In keratoconus, the cornea typically becomes thinner in specific areas, and this thinning can occur even before noticeable changes in shape. By measuring the corneal thickness at different points, we can detect keratoconus in its early stages, sometimes even before vision is significantly affected. Repeated measurements allow us to monitor the condition’s progression, ensuring that any changes are promptly addressed.

Understanding your test results can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. I will explain what each finding means in clear, simple terms, so you can fully grasp how keratoconus is impacting your eyes. Whether it’s the shape of your cornea or its thickness, these results guide us in determining the best course of action to manage your condition effectively. With this information in hand, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your eye care.


Treatment Options Based on Test Results

What are your options once you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, and how do your test results shape the treatment plan?

The treatment path depends largely on the stage of the condition, which is why understanding your test results is so crucial. For those in the early stages of keratoconus, glasses might still be effective in correcting vision. However, as the cornea continues to change shape, glasses may no longer provide the clarity you need, and we may need to explore other options.

One such option is the use of rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. These lenses are designed to provide a smooth surface for light to enter the eye, which can significantly improve vision for those with keratoconus. For more advanced cases, hybrid lenses—which combine the comfort of soft lenses with the clarity of RGP lenses—might be recommended. Scleral lenses, which are larger and sit on the white part of your eye, can also be a great choice for those whose corneas have become too irregular for other types of lenses.

In more severe cases where contact lenses are no longer effective or comfortable, surgical options may be considered. Corneal cross-linking is a procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue, helping to halt the progression of keratoconus. It’s often recommended when the condition is progressing rapidly.

For those with advanced keratoconus where the cornea has become significantly scarred or thin, corneal grafts or transplants might be necessary. This involves replacing the damaged corneal tissue with healthy tissue from a donor, which can restore vision and improve quality of life.

Each of these treatments is chosen based on the specific findings from your eye exams. By understanding your keratoconus eye test results, we can select the most appropriate treatment to manage your keratoconus effectively, preserving your vision for as long as possible.

 

CONCLUSION

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can severely impact vision if not diagnosed and treated early. Comprehensive eye exams, including corneal topography and thickness measurements, are crucial for accurately diagnosing keratoconus.

Waiting too long to address your vision concerns could mean losing out on simpler, less invasive treatment options.

Take the first step towards safeguarding your vision—book your keratoconus screening with us today.

To make an appointment, give us a call at 02 9891 2020 or click the “Book Online” button on our website.


Dr Nick Papadopoulos – Owner and Optometrist

B.Optom (UNSW), CertOcTher (ACO) Therapeutically Endorsed Optometrist

Member of the Cornea & Contact Lens Society of Australia & the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania