Kerato conus is derived from Greek words kerato meaning cornea and conus meaning a cone-like structure. It is a non-inflammatory bilateral condition in which the cornea changes its shape and becomes thin. This condition is called kerato conus.
Causes
The various causes of kerato conus are:
Allergic conjunctivitis (VKC or vernal kerato conjunctivitis)
Genetics
Constant rubbing of eyes
Loose fitting of contact lenses
How cornea becomes thin
The superficial layer of cornea known as epithelium starts to become thin due to constant rubbing of eyes which elevate the level of inflammatory molecules in tears including metalloproteinase, tumour necrosis factor, and inter lukein which results in stromal remodeling and keratocyte.
Apoptosis which causes cell death in kerato conus.
According to other theories, constant rubbing of eyes can lead to bond destabilisation which is present between collagen fibres in stroma that results in loss of rigidity which turns the cornea into cone shape.
What patients feel
Patients with kerato conus may have defective vision which is due to irregular change in the curvature of the cornea.
In some cases patients may observe headaches and haloes around light.
Can Kerato Conus be stopped
Yes, it can be stopped from its progression by taking consultation at the right time and by various methods of treatments.
C3R
It stands for corneal collagen cross linking with riboflavin. It is a type of laser which is used to stop the progression of kerato conus by increasing the hydrophobic bonds between proteins which increases the strength of the cornea and prevents the cornea from changing its shape.
INTACS
The two semi-circular rings are implanted to increase the rigidity and strength.
CAIRS
Corneal allogenic intra stromal ring segment this is the latest method of stopping the kerato conus.
The kerato conus usually starts from the age of 10 and progresses to the age of 30. So between the age of 10 and 30 it can be stopped by following C3R, INTACS, and CAIRS procedures.
The allergic conjunctivitis is the mst common cause which turns normal cornea into cone shaped due to excessive rubbing of eyes to get relief from itching.
Excessive rubbing of eyes looses the hydrophobic bonds between collagen fibres in stroma which changes the curvature of the cornea and becomes thin.
Can vision be restored
Yes, once keratoconus is stopped from its progression, the vision can be restored by the following methods of treatment.
Scleral contact lenses
These are large diameter lenses that rest on scleral and create a tear filled vault on the cornea which helps the patient to restore the vision.
Rose k lenses
These are smaller lenses than scleral which also helps patients to get clear vision
Keratoplasty
In the case of an advanced case of keratoconus, the first three layers of cornea are replaced by new three donor layers which are called DALK deep anterior lamellar Keratoplasty.
How to prevent eyes from getting kerato conus
Rubbing of eyes
Persistent rubbing of eyes causes change in curvature and leads to astigmatism and thinning of the cornea which increases the chances of keratoconus.
Avoid exposure to UV rays
Wear sunglasses to avoid exposure of UV rays from the sun can decrease the chances of keratoconus.
Regular eye check up
Regular eye examination is mandatory especially for young people who are at high risk of keratoconus can detect early signs of keratoconus.
Control allergies
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis can be treated by taking medication at proper time and following all preventive measures to minimise the chances of keratoconus.
Contact lens fitting
Make sure you are wearing good fit contact lenses because poor fit lenses can increase the chances of keratoconus.
Riboflavin deficiency
The study has shown that deficiency of vitamin B 2 called as riboflavin has significantly linkage with developing keratoconus. Thus it indicates taking a proper balanced diet and healthy food will prevent your eyes.
Genetics
It has been shown that keratoconus is familiar and can transmit from parents to offspring. If you have a family history of keratoconus, your eyes should be checked properly and at the appropriate time.
Thus, keratoconus screening will help us to detect early changes of keratoconus So that it can be diagnosed and treated at the right time to prevent vision loss.
