Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea — the clear front window of the eye — gradually thins and bulges into an irregular cone shape. This distorts how light focuses, causing blurred, ghosted vision and rapidly changing, hard-to-correct astigmatism. It usually begins in the teens or twenties. The key to protecting vision is catching it early: corneal cross-linking can halt progression, and lens or surgical options restore clear sight.
What keratoconus is
In a healthy eye the cornea is a smooth, round dome. In keratoconus the corneal tissue weakens and the normal pressure inside the eye pushes it outward into a cone. Because the surface becomes irregular, glasses and standard contact lenses struggle to give clear vision, and the prescription — especially the astigmatism — can change quickly. It often affects both eyes, though rarely equally. The cause involves a mix of genetics, eye rubbing and conditions such as allergy and atopy.
Symptoms
- Blurred, distorted or ghosted vision that glasses do not fully correct
- Frequent, rapid changes in your spectacle prescription
- Increasing short-sightedness and irregular astigmatism
- Glare, haloes and starbursts around lights at night
- Sensitivity to light and eye strain
How it is diagnosed
Keratoconus is diagnosed with corneal topography and tomography — detailed 3D scans that map the shape and thickness of the cornea and detect the cone and thinning long before they are visible. These scans also track whether the condition is progressing, which decides whether you need cross-linking. An early, accurate diagnosis is the single most important step in protecting your sight.
Diagnosed with keratoconus, or noticing rapidly changing vision? An early corneal assessment can protect your sight.
Book a corneal assessmentTreatment options
Treatment is matched to the stage of the condition and follows a clear ladder:
- Glasses and soft contact lenses — correct mild, early keratoconus.
- Corneal cross-linking (CXL) — the key treatment that strengthens the cornea and halts progression; epi-off, plus newer epi-on options such as epi-on cross-linking and iontophoresis CXL.
- Scleral and rigid contact lenses — vault over the irregular cornea to restore sharp vision.
- Corneal ring segments — Intacs and CAIRS reshape and flatten the cone.
- Corneal transplant — DALK for advanced disease where the cornea is too scarred or thin.
Our consultant corneal specialists confirm the stage, halt progression where needed and rebuild clear vision with the least invasive option that works for your eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Can keratoconus be cured?
There is no cure that reverses keratoconus, but corneal cross-linking can halt its progression and is highly effective when started early. Lenses and surgical options such as ring segments or, in advanced cases, a corneal transplant then restore clear vision. Most people keep good sight with the right treatment.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
It is diagnosed with corneal topography and tomography — 3D scans that map the shape and thickness of the cornea and detect the cone and thinning early, before they are visible. The scans also show whether the condition is progressing.
What is corneal cross-linking and do I need it?
Cross-linking uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops and UV light to strengthen the bonds in the cornea, stiffening it and halting progression. It is recommended when scans show keratoconus is progressing, particularly in younger patients, to protect vision before the cornea distorts further.
Will I go blind from keratoconus?
Keratoconus very rarely causes blindness. With early diagnosis, cross-linking to halt progression and modern lens or surgical options, the large majority of people retain good, functional vision throughout life.
Should I stop rubbing my eyes?
Yes. Vigorous eye rubbing is strongly linked to keratoconus progression. Treating any underlying allergy and avoiding rubbing are important parts of protecting your cornea alongside any medical treatment.