Keratoconus Treatment: Raising Awareness on #WorldKCDay

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing blurred and distorted vision. On November 10th each year we recognize those among us in the community who live with this condition on World Keratoconus Day ( #WorldKCDay ).

Keratoconus isn’t rare—it affects more people than you might expect. For instance, a study last year in Western Australia found a prevalence of 3.3% among 28-year-olds. Unlike myopia which impacts children at a young age, or eye conditions such as macular degeneration that primarily affect seniors, keratoconus is unique in that it is a “young adults” disease. It typically begins in the late teens to early twenties and progresses over 10 to 20 years.

I’m Dr. Nick Papadopoulos, Principal Optometrist and owner at Optometrist Parramatta. Having served the Parramatta and Sydney community for 38 years, I’m dedicated to helping patients understand and manage serious eye health conditions. Many people feel overwhelmed upon diagnosis, yet with early detection and proper keratoconus treatment, we can make a meaningful difference.

Supporting World Keratoconus Day helps strengthen a community that thrives on shared knowledge and resources. Keep reading to find out more.

What Causes Keratoconus?

The causes behind keratoconus are not entirely understood, but genetic predisposition and family history can increase the risk. Environmental influences such as persistent eye rubbing—often linked to allergies—may exacerbate the weakening of the cornea. Additionally, there’s a known correlation between keratoconus and certain conditions like asthma or Down’s syndrome, which can indicate a more complex underlying susceptibility.

The progression of keratoconus can vary widely. Early to moderate stages might manifest as slightly blurred or distorted vision that can still be managed with routine eyewear refraction. However, as the disease advances, the cornea’s shape becomes significantly more irregular, resulting in more pronounced visual impairment and making standard corrective methods less effective.

Need an Appointment?

Why Is Early Keratoconus Treatment Important?

Why is it so crucial to catch keratoconus early? Identifying keratoconus in its initial stages opens the door to treatment options that can slow or even halt the worsening of symptoms. One of the primary methods for early detection is corneal topography, a mapping tool that charts subtle changes in the cornea’s shape. Additionally, measuring corneal thickness helps to reveal signs of early thinning that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Detecting keratoconus early means you have an opportunity to minimise long-term damage and reduce the risk of complications such as scarring or advanced surgical procedures. With timely diagnosis, non-surgical treatments like rigid gas-permeable lenses or special contact lenses can be used to maintain better vision and corneal health. These early interventions help avoid future challenges that might come with more severe stages of the condition.

What Options Are Available For Keratoconus Treatment

What choices do you have when it comes to treating keratoconus? Fortunately, there are various options depending on how advanced the condition is. In its early stages, non-surgical methods can often provide relief and improved vision. Spectacles may be enough for mild cases, though they come with limitations. As keratoconus progresses, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses become a primary choice. These lenses create a smooth, refractive surface over the irregular cornea, delivering clearer vision. While RGP lenses can offer significant benefits, some patients may find them less comfortable due to their rigidity.

For those who require a balance between comfort and clarity, custom contact lenses can be highly effective. Hybrid lenses, combining the stability of a rigid centre with the comfort of a soft edge, are a go-to for moderate cases and especially suitable for those who need vision support for active lifestyles. These lenses can enhance both sight and daily comfort, bridging the gap between basic contact lenses and more specialised solutions.

When dealing with more severe keratoconus, scleral lenses are often recommended. Unlike traditional contact lenses, these rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and arch over the cornea without touching it directly. This design allows for more stable and comfortable wear, even for those with significant corneal irregularities. Though fitting and maintaining scleral lenses can be more complex, the vision improvement and comfort they provide often outweigh the effort.

For advanced stages, when non-surgical treatments fall short, corneal cross-linking is a breakthrough option. This procedure strengthens the corneal structure using a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light. By reinforcing the corneal tissue, it helps to halt the disease’s progression and preserve vision. Recovery from this procedure typically involves some downtime, but the long-term benefit of stabilising the cornea is a substantial gain.

In the most severe cases, when the cornea becomes too thin or scarred, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This could involve either a full-thickness transplant (penetrating keratoplasty) or a partial transplant like deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), depending on the specific condition of the cornea. While transplants can offer restored vision, they come with long-term considerations such as the need for follow-up care and managing potential rejection.

What is the Goal of World Keratoconus Day?

November 10th is a day each year that is dedicated to spreading awareness and showing support for those affected by keratoconus. It’s a reminder that those living with this condition are not alone and that resources and communities exist to uplift and guide them.

The goal is simple: to educate more people about keratoconus and the importance of early detection and treatment.

Wondering how to take part and support keratoconus awareness? Here’s what you can do:

Share your personal experiences about living with keratoconus and maintaining confidence on social media. Use hashtags like #WorldKCDay, #KCConfidence, and #LivingWithKC to reach others.
Capture and post photos that reflect your view on life with KC. Whether it’s you or loved ones engaging in favourite activities, send your snapshots to info@nkcf.org for potential inclusion in the NKCF’s World KC Gallery.
Show your support by wearing a lime green or chartreuse ribbon.
Connect with fellow members of the KC community by sharing stories, tips, and support.
Look up and join any local events or activities dedicated to KC awareness near you.

Participating in World Keratoconus Day or engaging in its activities can bring about awareness that changes lives. The more people know about keratoconus and its potential impact, the more likely they are to seek professional guidance sooner, securing better outcomes and long-term vision stability.

Self-Care Tips and Preventive Measures

How can you take control of your eye health if you have keratoconus? It starts with simple habits that prevent worsening symptoms. One of the most effective measures is to avoid eye rubbing, which can contribute to the weakening of the cornea. For those who suffer from allergies, managing symptoms is essential to reducing the urge to rub. Allergy eye drops and cold compresses can provide relief without putting pressure on your eyes.

If you use contact lenses, maintaining proper care is crucial. Always clean lenses with recommended solutions—never tap water—to avoid contamination. This not only preserves lens quality but also prevents corneal irritation and potential infection. Regular checkups are essential to ensure your lenses continue to fit well and don’t compromise corneal health.

Sudden changes in vision or discomfort should prompt immediate medical attention, as these could signal complications that require quick intervention. By following these preventive practices and staying attentive to your eye health, you can help maintain clearer vision and manage the impact of this eye condition.

CONCLUSION

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can seriously affect vision, but early detection and treatment make a significant difference. Treatment options for keratoconus vary depending on severity, from corrective lenses to advanced procedures like corneal cross-linking and transplants.

World Keratoconus Day encourages awareness and support for those affected. To everyone living with keratoconus: your voice matters—speak up, share your story, and help others find strength and understanding in the journey you know so well.

Every moment counts when it comes to managing eye conditions, so if you feel worried about your vision, take the first step to peace of mind by contacting us about keratoconus treatment 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