Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the shape of the cornea becomes distorted. The cornea is a clear structure that covers the front of the eye and does 85% of the focusing of the light as it passes through the eye. In a healthy eye, the cornea curves like a dome. In an eye with keratoconus, the center of the cornea slowly thins and bulges so that it sags and has a cone shape distorting vision.

What causes keratoconus?

The cause of keratoconus is unknown but does follow some genetic lines.

What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

Keratoconus tends to affect people in their early teens with symptoms of blurring vision and rapidly changing prescriptions. Often, eyeglass can not correct vision fully and specially designed medical contact lenses are needed to restore useful vision.

Symptoms include:

Difficulty driving at night
Halo’s and ghosting, especially at night
Eye strain
Headaches and general eye pain
Eye irritation and excessive rubbing of the eye

How is keratoconus diagnosed?

Keratoconus can usually be diagnosed with a slit-lamp examination as well as corneal topography which precisely measures the curvature of the cornea. Your optometrist will look for signs such as corneal thinning, stress lines, and scarring at the apex of the corneal cone. Keratoconus, especially in the early stages, can be difficult to diagnose and its symptoms could be associated with other eye problems. Simply recognizing symptoms does not by itself diagnose the condition. Only a complete eye examination by a qualified expert can diagnose the condition in its earliest stages when it is easiest to treat and correct.

What is the treatment for keratoconus?

The primary treatment options for keratoconus are contact lenses and surgery. In the very early stages of keratoconus, vision problems can be corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. As keratoconus progresses, special gas permeable contact lenses may be necessary. Advanced keratoconus may require surgery. There are new treatments for this condition being introduced all the time and by speaking with an expert you are sure to get the best care.

Melanie Sinatra, MD

Dr. Melanie Sinatra, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 24 years of experience providing comprehensive eye care in the Wyckoff area. She earned her medical degree Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn and completed her ophthalmology residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in New York City, serving as Chief Resident. Dr. Sinatra is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and is affiliated with The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ.

Tyler D’Agostino, OD

Dr. Tyler D’Agostino, OD, is an experienced optometrist specializing in comprehensive eye care, ocular disease management, and specialty contact lenses. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the SUNY College of Optometry and completed a residency in ocular disease at the Harbor Healthcare System VA Hospital. Dr. D’Agostino provides routine eye exams, ocular health screenings, specialty contact lens care, and prompt treatment for ocular emergencies.