Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea that causes the front of the eye to bulge into a cone shape, distorting vision. It typically begins in adolescence or the early 20s and can progress for years before stabilizing. Modern treatments — including specialty contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, and (in advanced cases) corneal transplant — can preserve and restore vision when started early.
Who it's for
- Patients in their teens and 20s with rapidly changing prescriptions
- Patients whose vision cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses
- Patients with a family history of keratoconus
- Anyone with chronic eye-rubbing tendencies (a known risk factor)
What's included
- Corneal topography (mapping the shape of the cornea)
- Pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement) when indicated
- Specialty contact lens fitting (rigid gas permeable, scleral, hybrid)
- Referral for corneal cross-linking when appropriate
- Long-term progression monitoring
What to Expect
- 1
Diagnosis usually requires multiple visits to map and measure the cornea over time.
- 2
Most keratoconus patients see best in specialty contact lenses; the fitting takes several appointments to perfect.
- 3
Corneal cross-linking is a same-day procedure that can halt progression in active disease.
Why this matters
Untreated keratoconus can progress to the point where corneal transplant is the only option. Early diagnosis and cross-linking prevent that for the vast majority of patients today.