Diagnosing Keratoconus

The cornea, the clear, central part of the eye, is normally ball-shaped. In people with the eye condition called keratoconus, however, the cornea is not strong enough to hold this roundness, and it instead takes on a bulging, conical shape.

Occasionally, a person with keratoconus will notice symptoms before their doctor does. Such symptoms include: sudden change in vision in just one eye; double vision when using just one eye; distorted, but not blurred, vision, often most noticeable with colors or shapes; or bright lights with haloes around them. In order to accurately diagnose keratoconus, a doctor must measure the curvature of the cornea.

In diagnosing keratoconus, a doctor may use an instrument called a keratometer, which shines a pattern of light on the cornea. The reflection of the light allows the doctor to determine the shape of the cornea. In another diagnostic procedure, called corneal topography, computerized instruments make three-dimensional maps of the cornea, also allowing doctors to see the curvatures of the cornea.

For more information on diagnosing keratoconus, please contact us. Select your state below for a consultation.