FAQs

1) My doctor diagnosed me with keratoconus. Will I go blind from this disease?

A: Although keratoconus produces progressive changes to the cornea, or outer clear window of the eye, resulting in increasingly blurred vision, when properly managed by an eye doctor, the vast majority of people enjoy good vision with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

2) Is it common for people with keratoconus to require corneal transplant surgery?

A: It is uncommon for patients with keratoconus to progress to the stage where replacement of the cornea is required. Around 85% of all keratoconus patients are treated with less invasive procedures, the most common being contact lenses and more minor surgeries

3) All of my friends wearing contact lenses receive them after one or two visits with their optometrist. Why is the fitting process taking longer for me?

A: Keratoconus produces a very complex corneal shape that requires additional testing and evaluation using very specialized contact lenses. Being a progressive disease, your doctor must closely follow you and make appropriate changes when necessary during the initial fitting period and during periodic examinations thereafter.

4) I went for a LASIK evaluation and was rejected because of keratoconus. Why can’t I get LASIK surgery?

A: The procedure of LASIK surgery involves using a laser to selectively thin the cornea. In keratoconic eyes, the cornea is already too thin. If LASIK is performed on a keratoconic eye, there can be sight threatening complications.

5) Why can’t I see better with my glasses or my soft lenses?

A: Glasses and soft contact lenses are capable of treating regular astigmatism. With keratoconus, significant irregular astigmatism is created. When treated with a rigid or gas-permeable contact lens, a tear layer is created between the cornea and the contact lens, eliminating the irregular astigmatism, thus producing much improved vision. Gas-permeable lenses are available as corneal lenses, hybrid lenses, and scleral lenses. You and your doctor will decide which strategy is best for you.

6) Is keratoconus hereditary?

A: Several studies suggest that keratoconus is a complex genetic disease. However, by far, the most common presentation of a patient with keratoconus is when there is no family history of the disease. Only between 6-18% of patients with keratoconus have a family history of the disease.