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Keratoconus

Keratoconus Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment with Our Eye Doctors in Greenville

Of all the eye diseases our Greenville eye doctor team diagnoses and treats, keratoconus is probably one of the least known. Our staff is committed to raising awareness about this eye health condition and helping all our patients from Greenville and surrounding communities maintain optimal eye health at every age. 

Woman getting checked for Keratoconus.

Keratoconus FAQs 

What is keratoconus?

The front clear part of your eye, called the cornea, is an important structure that helps to focus and direct light entering the eye. When a person has keratoconus, their corneas--which are usually shaped like domes--become thin and irregularly shaped (typically, more conical). This prevents light from correctly focusing on the retina, which is necessary for gathering visual information before it is transmitted to the brain via the optic nerves.

What are the causes of keratoconus? 

It's not exactly clear what causes keratoconus, but it's been estimated that as many as 230 per 100,000 people have the eye disease. People of any age or gender can be affected; however, it appears to occur more frequently in certain populations, including people with Down syndrome, certain allergies, and certain birth defects. Keratoconus may also be more likely to develop in people who have a long history of contact lens use and/or who rub their eyes too forcefully. 

What are the most common keratoconus symptoms? 

Keratoconus symptoms usually first develop when a person is in their late teens and early 20s. The main signs and symptoms include:

  • Worsening nearsightedness (clear vision up close and blurry vision far away)
  • Difficulty focusing 
  • Impaired visual acuity
  • Double vision
  • Squinting which improves acuity
  • Impaired nighttime vision 

Additionally, these symptoms may be precipitated by sudden eye swelling (called hydrops). Usually, one eye is affected first, and eventually, both eyes are involved. 

What kind of keratoconus treatment can an optometrist provide? 

Keratoconus will generally not lead to complete blindness, however, the most advanced cases may cause a person to become legally blind or significantly have low vision. 

It's important to seek treatment if you begin to develop any unusual signs or symptoms involving your eye health. If on a comprehensive eye exam you are diagnosed with keratoconus, our optometrists can initiate a variety of treatments that can help you manage the disease, including:

  • Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses to correct vision early on
  • Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to correct vision in later stages (when the corneal shape is more irregular
  • Low vision strategies to help compensate for vision loss 

If your corneas begin to swell suddenly, our Greenville eye doctor team can also prescribe medicated eye drops to relieve the pain and discomfort. While the disease is not reversible, its progression can be slowed, and your quality of life can be maintained as much as possible with the help of regular check-ups with your optometrist. 

Are You Concerned About Your Eye Health? Visit Our Eye Doctors near Greenville, NC for A Comprehensive Eye Exam Today!

Carolina Vision Care is your home to some of the most experienced eye doctors near Greenville, NC. We're proud to offer individualized and comprehensive optometry services, including keratoconus treatment, to help improve your vision and your quality of living. To schedule an eye exam or to hear more about our other services and special offers, contact us today at (252) 752-4380 and receive 15% off a complete pair of glasses after your first visit. 

Locations

Office Hours

Medical District Location: 1804 W. Arlington Blvd

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

FireTower Location: 915 E FireTower Rd, Suite 108

Monday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Lunch: 12-1pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "My experience with Carolina Vision Care is always great. The personnel there is very professional and very friendly, helpful in any way."
    - Georgia L.
  • "I moved to Greenville in May and I was just going to go back to my old eye doctor but I decided to try this place out. I must say my experience was great. From when I walked in the staff was cheerful and happy. I had a lady take me back for the pre-exam part and she was such a sweetheart ! Then the eye doctors daughter who is also the contact lady was sooo nice and made me feel at home! Amazing, amazing place!"
    -Jennifer L.