The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. Light must pass through the cornea to enter the eye. The normal cornea is clear and dome shaped. Compromises in corneal clarity or shape can result in reduced vision and problems with glare.
Keratoconus is an eye disorder characterized by thinning and weakening of the cornea. This causes the cornea to bulge into an irregular cone shape that results in blurred or distorted vision. These changes can make tasks such as driving and reading very difficult.
Symptoms of keratoconus include:
Keratoconus severity ranges from mild to severe. In mild to moderate cases, vision can often be improved with glasses and specialized contact lenses. Severe cases may require a corneal transplant to restore vision. Keratoconus is a progressive disease that often worsens over time. Fortunately, we now have the ability to strengthen the cornea and prevent future progression using a revolutionary procedure called corneal collagen cross-linking.
Associated Eye Care offers AvaGen genetic testing through Avellino Labs to assess risk for keratoconus. Call 651-275-3000 to schedule an appointment to discuss the test with a doctor.
Our excellent team of providers is here to make sure your experience is a positive one. Whether it's our doctors or our professional staff, we promise to make every effort to give you the best possible care.
Dr. Vislisel is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery. He received
his medical degree from the University of Iowa in 2007 and graduated with Research Distinction. He then completed his medical internship in Tucson, Arizona and returned to the highly-ranked University of Iowa for his ophthalmology residency and fellowship training in cornea and external eye disease where he received the Fellow Teaching Award and the P.J. Leinfelder award for excellence in research. He has special interest in cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, corneal crosslinking, anterior segment and ocular surface surgery, and laser refractive surgery such as LASIK.
Dr. Vislisel enjoys technology and the rapid technological advances that occur in the field of ophthalmology. He has authored many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and previously served as an editorial board member and chief medical editor for EyeRounds.org, a leading resource for ophthalmology education. His outside interests include music, cycling, fishing, outdoor recreation, and spending time with his wife and three children at the family cabin.
