Complications of Keratoconus
While keratoconus is not curable, many treatments are available to manage this condition. However, it’s vital to learn about possible complications that can happen, both from the condition itself and, in a few cases, as a result of treatments. Understanding these things can help ensure early detection and proper management, preserving your eyesight.
Complications of Keratoconus
It’s important to know that using contact lenses for too long or without proper care can cause complications, such as damage to the cornea. So, taking breaks from your lenses and following the recommended hygiene practices is always a good idea.
Acute Corneal Hydrops
Acute Corneal Hydrops can lead to eye pain and blurry vision. It occurs when fluid leaks into your cornea. This may affect one or both eyes. Even though it doesn’t damage your sight, seeing an eye specialist is essential to ensure nothing else is causing the issue. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort, and the condition clears up on its own. It may also help improve the cornea’s shape in some rare situations.
Abrasions Becauses of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses, which may help you see better, are still foreign objects that fit into your eyes. Anything foreign in your body can inflame your eyes and lead to damage. It’s crucial to know that cheaper contact lenses may be made from low-quality materials and can damage your eyes. Always get your contact lenses from a trusted eye specialist to ensure they’re safe and viable for you.
Psychological Trauma Because of Poor Vision
Our eyes are how we see the world. We depend on our sight way more than any other sense. That’s why the blurry, deformed vision with keratoconus can be difficult to deal with. It affects not only how you see the world but also how you feel, and it can significantly impact your psychology.
Corneal Scarring
In advanced keratoconus, your cornea can develop scarring. This scarring results from the consistent stress and unusual shape of the cornea. This can cause permanent vision changes. Scarring makes your cornea less transparent, affecting how light reaches your eye and blocking your ability to see correctly.
Fleischer Rings
Fleischer rings happen due to iron deposits within the unusually shaped cornea. These create brownish rings around the base of your cornea. While Fleischer rings don’t always impact your vision directly, they can indicate keratoconus progression.
Vision Loss
As keratoconus advances, the irregular shape of your cornea can make focusing light tricky. This causes a gradual deterioration of vision. In serious cases, keratoconus can cause vision loss that might not be correctable with glasses or contact lenses. In such situations, specialized processes like corneal transplants may be necessary to restore vision.
Keratoconus Complications are rare and straightforward to avoid with the proper care. Regular eye checkups help detect conditions this early. If you do have it, getting treatment quickly means you can keep enjoying clear vision and a whole, happy life.