How a simple eye test can save vision: The importance of early screening for keratoconus
Eye disorders are on the rise due to the digitally dominant life that we lead in today’s day and age. Since being forewarned is forearmed, one should make conscious efforts to get regular screening done and adopt preventive measures to safeguard and improve vision health. While eye fatigue and Myopia are commonly known conditions, Keratoconus is a lesser known one that bears consideration.
Understanding Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder in which the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. The distortion caused by the condition adversely affects how light is focused on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Though this condition can develop at any age, it often presents itself in adolescence or early adulthood, with a mean age of diagnosis around 16 years, and the highest incidence typically in the 20-29 age group. Since a stitch in time saves nine, early detection and timely intervention can safeguard vision.
Tell tale signs
In the initial stages, keratoconus can be difficult to identify because the symptoms resemble common refractive errors. Many patients begin to notice that their vision is not improving even after frequent changes in their glasses’ prescription. Blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, eye strain and headaches are few of the early signs. While in advanced stages, double vision and halos around lights might be experienced. Given that these symptoms are quite subtle, they might be easily misinterpreted, making regular eye check-ups the need of the hour.
Screening and treatment
A routine eye examination that includes keratometry , dilated refraction , detailed eye examination, corneal thickness measurements and corneal topography can detect keratoconus in its earliest stages. Corneal topography maps the curvature of the cornea and reveals irregularities that are not visible during standard vision testing. The test is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Detecting keratoconus early allows ophthalmologists to initiate treatment promptly, preserving vision and preventing progression to more severe disease. The treatment approach depends on the stage of the condition. In the early stages, vision can often be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses. As the cornea becomes more irregular, specialized lenses such as rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, or scleral lenses may be required for clearer and more stable vision. These lenses are designed to create a smooth optical surface, improving visual clarity significantly.One of the most important advancements in managing keratoconus is corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL). This procedure uses ultraviolet light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) to strengthen the corneal fibers and halt the progression of thinning. When performed at the right time, cross-linking can stabilize the condition and help prevent the need for more invasive procedures later. In severe cases, where scarring or advanced thinning occurs, a corneal transplant may be required to restore vision.Patients diagnosed early have a significantly better prognosis, retaining visual acuity and independence along with a broader selection of effective treatment modalities. Delayed diagnosis, on the other hand, may worsen the condition, leaving extreme measures like surgery as the last resort.Preventive measuresCreating awareness among parents, schools, and young adults can significantly improve early diagnosis. Simple lifestyle measures such as managing allergies, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and prioritizing routine eye examinations can make a considerable difference. Early screening, timely treatment, and awareness are powerful tools to protect vision and maintain quality of life.Dr Ranjitha.C.S .Cornea Specialist, MBBS,MS,FRCS(GLASGOW) FCRS (RGUHS) Assistant professor, Minto Ophthalmic Hospital BMCRI, Bengaluru, Karnataka
