WHAT IS KERATOCONUS? Keratoconus is a disease which occurs together with thinning and tapering of the transparent layer of the eye with myopia and astigmatism. Patients are usually aware of the disease in their 20s which began in puberty. The disease progresses between the ages of 20-40 and enters the stationary period after the 40s. Cornea is a very important part of the eye. Light enters the eye through the cornea. The cornea allows us visual acuity by breaking the lights and focusing. At keratoconus, cornea shape changes, cambers and vision are impaired. Keratoconus makes activities difficult such as driving, writing on computers, watching television, or reading.

WHAT'S THE KERATOKONUS SYMPTOMS?

Having permanent allergy or itching in the eye

Continuous progression of myopia and astigmatism

Not to see net despite the glasses

Increased sensitivity to light

Dazzling

These symptoms are a sign of high risk of keratoconus disease. In such cases it is beneficial to be examined by a specialist. Early treatment is very important to prevent future serious vision loss.

HOW DO THE DISEASE DIAGNOSIS? Symptoms of the disease, which usually begins in puberty, are difficult to diagnose at the age of the child and can be determined by very detailed examinations. Many patients think that they have only "myopic astigmatism".

Progress occurs between 20 and 40 years. In this period, the glasses numbers start to change frequently, and the eye specialist can give different numbered prescriptions to the patients. Despite the glasses, the patient may not see clearly.

It is difficult to diagnose this disease. Keratoconus patients can be detected incidentally during the topographical examination for corneal examination in patients who do not want to wear glasses.

Pre-treatment examinations

Eyeglasses and glasses

Refraction with and without droplets

Corneal topography (map of the anterior surface of the cornea)

Corneal thickness

Fundus (eyeground) examination

HOW TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS? As in every disease, early diagnosis and treatment is very important in this disease. In order to realize this, individuals, especially those who have such disease, should be more careful and have their examinations by a specialist. Parents should take their children regularly to check and ensure that they are thoroughly examined. In this way, possible eye health problems are prevented. This disease, especially in allergic eye problems often caused by scratching and scrubbing behavior that causes disease. Therefore, eye examination is important in people with eye allergies. If this disease, which is difficult to diagnose, cannot be prevented, a process leading to blindness is followed.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT METHODS OF KERATOCONUS? Special contact lenses are used at the beginning of the disease. The use of the lens is not a measure to stop its progression. These lenses correct the astigmatism of the person and ensure a clearer view. As the disease progresses over time, this method is inadequate, and the vision decreases. Corneal Cross Linking is the application and treatment of the ring method is used effectively in recent years. With this treatment method, the disease progression is not only stopped, it can also increase the visual level in some patients.