Recognizing Early Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus, a condition that affects the shape of the cornea, typically manifests its symptoms during adolescence, usually between the ages of 10 and the early 20s. However, it is relatively uncommon for keratoconus to develop after the age of 40. One of the early indicators of this condition is increased sensitivity to glare, especially during nighttime driving. Additionally, individuals with keratoconus may experience a sudden deterioration in their vision, leading to blurred and distorted eyesight. Consequently, they may require new eyewear prescriptions more frequently than the average individual in order to address these changes.
While keratoconus can affect one or both eyes, it typically begins in one eye and may impact that eye more severely than the other. Nevertheless, over time, the condition tends to progress and eventually affects both eyes in most cases.
Advanced Symptoms of Keratoconus
As keratoconus progresses, individuals may begin to experience later-stage symptoms and complications. These symptoms typically appear after several years, and in some cases, it may take a decade or even longer. Some of the common advanced symptoms of keratoconus include:
- Worsening nearsightedness
- Inability of the eye to focus properly
- Vision distortion caused by corneal scarring
Once the condition reaches this stage, fitting contact lenses becomes increasingly challenging due to the irregular shape of the cornea. Consequently, more serious interventions might be necessary to manage the condition effectively. It is important to note that the progression of keratoconus can be unpredictable, and it may either persist for several decades or abruptly stop at any given time.