What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

Corneal hump In this article, we want to know the symptoms of keratoconus, the causes and how to prevent this disease. Stay with us until the end. Keratoconus or keratoconus is one of the diseases of the cornea, in which the cornea is deformed, thinned and cone-shaped. In keratoconus, there is a disturbance in the production and destruction of collagen tissue. These changes may occur over many years. In keratoconus, we have irregular astigmatism and severe myopia, which impairs people's vision and requires treatment. Usually, keratoconus appears in the teenage years until the third decade of life. The probability of keratoconus is less in people over 40 years old. Although there is a possibility of diagnosing keratoconus at an older age and it can be seen in a mild form. The probability of keratoconus is about 50-200 in every 100,000 people. Usually, keratoconus occurs in both eyes, but it may be more severe in one eye. Symptoms of keratoconus How do we know if we have keratoconus? Symptoms that can cause suspicion of keratoconus include: - Blurred and foggy vision - The need to change glasses in short intervals - Sensitivity to light, especially when driving at night - Itchy feeling and a strong desire to rub the eyes - Seeing the halo around the light - Headache alone or with eye pain Every blurring of vision does not mean keratoconus, but when this blurring of vision is progressive and requires changing glasses in short periods of time, suspicion of keratoconus is raised. In people who feel that they have irregular vision while driving at night, can't bear to look at the light, and tend to close their eyes when they encounter the light, or see a halo around the light of the lights, it is better to perform examinations related to keratoconus. Regarding headache, it cannot be said that every headache is a symptom of keratoconus, but the association of headache with other symptoms mentioned in relation to keratoconus can occur. The very important thing about rubbing your eyes a lot is that it doesn't matter if you have keratoconus or not, it damages the cornea and people who are more likely to develop keratoconus develop this disease faster. You may not be genetically at risk of developing keratoconus, but by rubbing your eyes too much, you can change the shape of your cornea and move towards keratoconus. Excessive rubbing of the eyes can be due to seasonal allergies or sensitivity, in which case the disease and sensitivity must be treated first to reduce itching and the desire to rub the eyes. ### The cause of keratoconus The exact cause of keratoconus is not known. Among the factors that increase the risk of keratoconus are: 1. Hereditary or genetic factor, the probability of keratoconus in the first degree family of the affected person is about 10%. 2. Excessive rubbing of the eyes 3. Infections or many inflammatory reactions of the eyes 4. Diseases such as Marfan syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, seasonal sensitivity or seasonal allergy, asthma, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, sleep apnea 5. The incidence of keratoconus is higher in Middle Eastern people. ### Is keratoconus preventable? This question concerns the minds of people, especially those who have a family history of keratoconus, whether it is possible to prevent the occurrence of this disease? According to the studies conducted, keratoconus cannot be prevented, but by following some points, the risk of infection can be reduced. including: - Avoid rubbing the eyes too much - Make sure your lenses fit your eyes well and are the perfect size. - Periodic eye examinations so that treatment can be started faster in case of suspicion of keratoconus. Sometimes in keratoconus, the corneal tissue itself may get scarred, then a layer of the cornea called desmeme is damaged and liquid enters the cornea, causing a complication called hydrops. This condition may improve on its own, but the resulting scar remains on the cornea and causes blurring of the person's vision. In advanced keratoconus, there is also a possibility of scarring, which worsens people's vision and may lead a person to a corneal transplant. In general, with the appearance of these symptoms related to keratoconus, it is better to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Because early treatment of keratoconus helps to prevent its progression and to obtain better vision in a more comfortable way. Treatments for keratoconus are different and diverse, which both prevent the progression of keratoconus and help to treat it. **Read more: treatment of keratoconus**