The cornea protects your eye and helps focus light to provide good vision. Its form is essential to its function, and a misshapen cornea can cause multiple problems, including refractive disorders and keratoconus. These conditions change how light is bent when it enters the eye, causing various visual distortions and disturbances.
These visual difficulties will only get worse if the condition is left untreated, and may lead to permanent corneal damage. So, seeking a professional eye exam with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Fred Mattioli is vital for those with keratoconus. If you have any concerns or questions, we warmly invite Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, River Oaks, and West University residents to contact us at Mattioli Vision Professionals in Houston, TX.
Can Keratoconus lead to blindness if left untreated?
Unlike other eye disorders, especially age-related and progressive ones such as cataracts or glaucoma, keratoconus will not lead to total blindness if left untreated. However, that’s no reason to hesitate or get complacent – even though it will not cause a total loss of sight, it can still lead to severe visual impairments and significant partial blindness, along with considerable damage to the cornea as a result of scarring.
Other symptoms include blurry or otherwise distorted eyesight, increased light sensitivity, frequent changes in your prescription, and night-driving difficulties, potentially caused by streaks of light or glare.
Keratoconus is also considered a progressive condition since it becomes more substantial with time. You should never rub your eyes because that worsens progression. Unlike the previously mentioned disorders, it generally occurs at a much younger age. It can begin developing in one’s 20s and then may follow a rapid development schedule. Though, as with many ocular issues, the specifics of your keratoconus condition will be unique, and the plan of action hinges on multiple factors, including the status of your eyes, your overall health, and various lifestyle factors.
A professional eye exam can help you achieve an optimal outcome
Regular glasses or contact lens exams almost never detect keratoconus. The cause of keratoconus remains mysterious. Risk factors include hereditary predispositions, previous corneal injuries, and general health since certain diseases are linked to keratoconus risk. And if you haven’t already been diagnosed but fear you may have keratoconus, the only way to be sure is through a professional eye exam in Houston, TX.
Our caring, detail-attentive team uses numerous methods to ascertain the condition of your eye, including corneal topography, which shows the surface consistency and irregularities of the cornea. A slit lamp can also be used to shine a light on and assess the corneal tissue. OCT technology can detect thinning of the cornea, which can be a sign of keratoconus. Ultrasound can also measure the thinness of the cornea, while videokeratography can provide an early diagnosis which may allow us to take preemptive treatment action.
Get in touch for keratoconus management and treatment strategies
For those with keratoconus, visual disturbances, or any other concerns in Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, River Oaks, and West University communities, timely action can yield an optimal outcome. If left alone, keratoconus can cause partial blindness, a loss of visual acuity, and permanent physical damage to the eye.
Therefore, it’s critical that you reach out to us at Mattioli Vision Professionals and schedule a consultation or eye exam with Dr. Fred Mattioli’s team.
