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Keratoconus

What is Keratoconus?

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

Symptoms of keratoconus include:

  • Blurry or distorted vision
  • Glare in bright lights
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye redness or irritability

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.

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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.