Keratoconus: AVC’s Quick-Fire Guide
- Posted by admin
- 2nd June 2010
- in AVC Advice, AVC Explains, Eye Care, Treatments
The terminology and industry lingo used in the eye care world can be pretty mind-boggling, even just plain confusing. So with that in mind, here’s the first of a series of quick-fire Did You Know guides that’ll hopefully make it that little bit clearer.
First up is the tricky Keratoconus….
• The term ‘Keratoconus’ is formed of two Greek words meaning ‘cornea’ and ‘cone’
• It’s near impossible to pronounce the name over and over after a few glasses of shandy
• Keratoconus was first recorded back in 1748 by German oculist Burchard Mauchart, though he didn’t
exactly know what to do with his new-found knowledge at the time. Incidentally, this was the same
year that the ruins of dusty Pompeii were discovered
• The condition changes the structure of your cornea, making it weaken and thin. Under pressure the
cornea adopts a cone-shaped bulge, but don’t worry, it won’t be visible to anyone else
• As a result, you can end up experiencing myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism, which is
distortion of vision
• Keratoconus’ cause is slightly mysterious in that it can develop due to any number of factors, but a
number of patients do have a genetic disposition to the disease, meaning that they have mum or dad
to thank for it!
• Keratoconus often tends to kick in during puberty or early adolescence, which is frankly just all you
need at this stage in your life
• If you start seeing ghostly visions, Keratoconus may be developing. A classic symptom is the
perception of multiple blurred images, as well as distortion around light sources, rather giving the
impression of otherworldly visitors
• Try not to rub your eyes! Keratoconus has been linked to other forms of eye trauma, like excessive
rubbing and contact lens wear
If you’d like to find out more about Keratoconus and the range of treatments we offer at AVC, just give us a call on 020 7935 7497, send us an email at enquiries@advancedvisioncare.co.uk or simply fill out our enquiry form to the right of the page.
