Keratoconus – Information and Treatment Options – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas
Receiving a diagnosis of keratoconus can be traumatic. This eye condition is progressive, causing corneal swelling and, often, significant visual disturbances. Fortunately, with the help of experienced eye care specialists, keratoconus is manageable. Northwest Eye provides exceptional treatment for keratoconus. Serving Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and surrounding communities throughout Minnesota, our team is dedicated to helping patients manage the symptoms of keratoconus and, when possible, to slow its progression.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the corneal tissue to thin and lose its natural curvature. This loss interferes with the cornea's ability to focus light onto the retina, which causes visual disturbances. Many patients develop keratoconus in their 20s, although the condition can onset at any age. After its onset, keratoconus typically progresses (quickly or slowly) for approximately 5 to 10 years and then stops.
Keratoconus Symptoms
Keratoconus causes visual disturbances such as blurry and distorted vision, clouding of the vision, light sensitivity, poor night vision, headaches from eye strain, and difficulty discerning close-up images. Depending on how quickly the condition progresses and when a patient seeks treatment, he or she may experience many or few of these symptoms.
With proper treatment, keratoconus and its symptoms can be managed. If you are experiencing the symptoms of keratoconus, or if you have a family history of the condition, contact Northwest Eye. We provide advanced keratoconus treatment for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and surrounding areas.
Keratoconus Treatment
Treatment for keratoconus depends on when the condition is diagnosed, how far it has progressed, and the patient's unique needs. Treatment options include:
Eyeglasses - best for treating early-stage keratoconus; usually require frequent changes in the astigmatism prescription
Contact lenses - best for mild to moderate keratoconus; options include soft, Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP), and sclera lenses
Corneal implants - thin, plastic, semi-circular rings inserted into the cornea that flatten and re-shape the cornea
Corneal transplants - replace the cornea with healthy donor tissue; best for late-stage keratoconus and patients intolerant to contact lenses
Contact Northwest Eye
With proper and timely treatment, keratoconus does not have to be debilitating. Contact Northwest Eye to learn more about keratoconus treatment options. We serve Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and surrounding areas.