Keratoconus

Your corneas are the clear lenses of your eye that help focus light, so you can see well. If a cornea changes shape because of age or trauma, it can cause keratoconus and lead to vision loss. Nix Eye Care and Surgery specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus in adults and adolescents. Thomas Nix, MD, offers the latest therapies to improve your vision while slowing the progression of keratoconus. Call the Jonesboro, Arkansas, office today to schedule a keratoconus evaluation or book a consultation online. 

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition that causes the clear lens at the front of the eye (cornea) to thin and bulge outward, forming a cone shape. The corneal change increases a person’s sensitivity to light and causes blurry vision.

Keratoconus typically develops in the late teens to age 30, especially in people with a history of the condition. Keratoconus often affects both eyes, but symptoms may be more severe in one eye.

Nix Eye Care and Surgery offers comprehensive care for keratoconus in adults and adolescents.

Dr. Nix creates a custom care plan to improve your vision and protect your eye health. He uses the latest therapies and focuses on the least invasive treatment.

When should I seek medical attention for keratoconus?

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Nix Eye Care and Surgery if you have changes in your vision that relate to keratoconus, such as:

• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision
• Sudden clouding of vision
• Difficult with night driving
• Increased sensitivity to glare and light

Frequent need for prescription changes can also be a warning sign of keratoconus. Dr. Nix completes an eye exam to better understand the cause of your symptoms. He also uses advanced technology to view and measure your cornea to confirm or rule out keratoconus.

How is keratoconus treated?

Your treatment plan for keratoconus depends on the progression of the condition and the severity of your symptoms.

Dr. Nix may recommend:

Prescription glasses or contacts

Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses can clear and sharpen your vision. Hard contact lenses can also be useful in treating advanced keratoconus, as they can be designed to fit your cornea.

Corneal cross-linking

Corneal cross-linking is a procedure where a surgeon saturates the cornea with riboflavin drops, then shines an ultraviolet light. This stiffens the cornea to prevent it from changing shape and may stabilize the lens to prevent vision loss.

Cornea surgery

Surgery may be necessary if scar tissue forms on the cornea or if your cornea becomes very thin. Dr. Nix may also recommend a cornea transplant if you have poor vision that’s not manageable with prescription glasses or contacts.

Call Nix Eye Care and Surgery today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation of keratoconus symptoms or book a consultation online.