To avoid keratoconus, do not rub or scratch your eyes and have your
general eye examination every year.

Keratoconus disease, which is frequently encountered especially in countries where heat, dust and allergens are intense, occurs as a result of the cornea becoming tapered and thinning forward. The disease, which is shown as the primary cause of corneal transplantation, is most common in Southeastern Anatolia and Mediterranean coasts in Turkey. Both genetic and environmental factors play a key role in the development of the disease. The most important environmental factor is damaging the cornea by scratching and rubbing the eye. Keratoconus occurs with the thinning of the cornea and its anterior conical enlargement. This causes the light to not focus properly inside the eye. As a result, vision deteriorates and daily activities such as reading and driving become very difficult. In some cases, the disease can be genetic. It is also present in 1/10 of the parents. Eye allergy, severe scratching of the eye, and connective tissue diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan Syndrome have also been associated with keratoconus. It usually occurs either in the late 20s or early 20s. Within 10-20 years, vision gradually deteriorates. It usually affects both eyes and may progress differently.

The first symptom is blurred vision
Among the early symptoms of the disease, blurred vision, bent and wavy lines, sensitivity to light and glare, redness and edema may occur in the eye. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as turbidity increase, far vision deterioration, astigmatism progression, difficulty in using contact lenses and inability to fully adapt may occur. Although it takes years for keratoconus to progress from the early phase to the advanced stage, it may progress rapidly in some cases. In these cases, corneal edema and scar formation affect the transparency of the cornea, and this is the reason for faster progression in visual complaints. Routine eye examination is very important for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

January 2023