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Keratoconus 

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye). Normally a round dome shape, if the corneal tissue begins to thin, it can begin to bulge out into a cone shape. Because the shape of the cornea becomes distorted, your eyesight also becomes distorted because light will not focus properly on the retina (back of the eye). This makes normal activities such as reading, watching TV, driving, or working on a computer very difficult. 

Who Gets Keratoconus

Many people are surprised to learn that keratoconus usually affects people who are in their late teenage years or early 20s. This is a condition that affects 1 in 2,000 of the general population. The condition is hereditary in some cases. It may also be caused by an enzyme imbalance in the cornea that causes the corneal tissue to weaken. 

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Not all patients will experience keratoconus symptoms right away. In fact, it can progress over a 10-20 year period and result in symptoms such as: 

  • Vision distortion
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Irritation 
  • Glare 
  • Ghosting

Keratoconus Treatment

Luckily there are a variety of treatment options to help patients with keratoconus see more clearly. Depending on the severity of your condition our keratoconus doctors in Southeast Idaho may recommend: 

  • Prescription glasses
  • Rigid contact lenses
  • Corneal cross-linking (CXL)
  • CTAK (Cornea Tissue Addition Keratoplasty)
  • Corneal transplant in severe cases

If you or a loved one is experiencing any keratoconus symptoms, schedule an eye exam with our experienced corneal doctors to learn more about your treatment options. 

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Idaho Falls

2025 East 17th Street,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404

Pocatello

1157 Call Place,
Pocatello, ID 83201

Rexburg

491 First American Circle,
Rexburg, ID 83440

Twin Falls

426 Parkview Loop E,
Twin Falls, ID 83301