Frequently asked questions - Cornea & Keratoconus
1
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of your eye. It helps focus light so you can see clearly.
2
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thinner and bulges outward into a cone shape. This can cause blurry, distorted vision.
3
What causes keratoconus?
The exact cause isn’t known, but it often starts in teens or young adults. Genetics, frequent eye rubbing, and allergies can play a role.
4
How do I know if I have keratoconus?
You might notice increasing blurry or distorted vision that isn’t corrected by glasses, or frequent changes in your glasses prescription.
5
How is keratoconus treated?
Early stages can be managed with glasses or special contact lenses. In more advanced cases, treatments like corneal cross-linking can help strengthen the cornea.
6
What is corneal cross-linking?
It’s a treatment that uses light and vitamin drops to strengthen the cornea and stop keratoconus from getting worse.
7
Will I need a corneal transplant for keratoconus?
In severe cases where vision cannot be corrected with lenses or cross-linking, a corneal transplant may be needed.
8
What is a corneal transplant?
It’s a surgery where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue to restore clear vision.
9
Is recovery from corneal surgery long?
Healing can take weeks to months. Your doctor will monitor you closely and guide you through the recovery process.
10
Can keratoconus come back after treatment?
Cross-linking usually stops progression, but regular check-ups are still needed to monitor your cornea’s health.