Keratoconus near Chicago, IL

The cornea is the transparent, dome-like top layer of the eye. It acts as a lens, focusing and directing the light rays that come into the eye. Keratoconus is a progressive disease that causes the normally round cornea to become thin as it bulges into a cone shape, and can occur in one or both eyes. This change affects how light is refracted onto the retina, causing your vision to appear blurry or distorted. Our ophthalmology team is extensively experienced in diagnosing and treating keratoconus. We offer advanced ocular solutions to help slow down the progression of this disease to preserve the individual's vision. Contact Kirk Eye Center in River Forest or Gurnee, IL to schedule an appointment for an eye examination and to learn more about treatments offered.

Keratoconus develops over time, which can make it difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Patients who have inherited the disease typically notice symptoms beginning in their teens or early 20s. Individuals who have acquired keratoconus through external factors may not discover signs until later in life. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry, distorted, or cloudy vision
• Double vision
• Astigmatism
• Nearsightedness
• Sensitivity to light
• Vision loss
• Frequent changes in eyeglasses prescription

Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of keratoconus, but it is usually an inherited condition. It can also occur from environmental or outer risk factors, such as chronic sun exposure, corneal thinning after eye surgery, excessive eye rubbing, or incorrectly fitted contact lenses. Our office recommends having regular eye exams, especially for patients who have a family history of keratoconus.

We offer a variety of treatment options for keratoconus to help you attain better vision. Prior to treatment, your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye examination to evaluate the progression of your condition. After an accurate diagnosis, the correct treatment will be determined. If you are still in the early phase of the disease, we may give you a prescription for glasses or contacts. In more advanced stages of keratoconus, a corneal transplant may need to be performed.

Keratoconus can lead to severe loss of vision so it is important to have the disease detected early and receive proper treatment. If you have experienced abnormal sight or any sudden vision changes, we encourage you to schedule a visit to Kirk Eye Center in River Forest or Gurnee, IL. The team of experienced ophthalmologists can determine the correct treatment to best preserve your vision.