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Keratoconus is a progressive corneal condition that causes blurred, distorted vision, glare, halos, and increasing light sensitivity. It occurs when the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, making it harder for light to focus clearly on the retina.1
At Innovative Eye Care, keratoconus diagnosis and management is a core clinical focus. Our optometrists use advanced corneal imaging to detect early changes, monitor progression, improve vision with specialty contact lenses, and refer for surgical treatment when needed.
Our principal optometrist, Lachlan Hoy, authored the keratoconus chapter in the textbook Contact Lenses (2019), reflecting our focus on evidence-based keratoconus care.
Keratoconus affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. As the cornea becomes thinner and more irregular, vision can become distorted and difficult to correct with standard glasses.1,2
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms often begin in the teenage years and may continue progressing into the 30s or 40s.2,3 In Australia, studies suggest keratoconus affects around 1 in 84 young adults, making early detection important.4
Keratoconus can involve both genetic and environmental factors.2,3
Risk factors include:
If you have these risk factors and notice frequent prescription changes, night glare, or worsening vision, book a comprehensive assessment.
Early diagnosis helps protect long-term vision. Keratoconus can progress before symptoms feel severe, so advanced imaging is essential.5,6
At Innovative Eye Care, we use:
These technologies allow us to detect subtle changes, long before they become visually significant.
Keratoconus management depends on severity, progression, age, vision needs, and corneal health.
Eye rubbing is linked with keratoconus progression. Managing allergies and reducing rubbing can help reduce risk.7
In early keratoconus, glasses or soft contact lenses may provide clear vision. As the cornea becomes more irregular, these options often become less effective.1,3
Rigid gas permeable lenses can improve vision by creating a smoother optical surface over the irregular cornea.3
Scleral lenses are often used for moderate to advanced keratoconus. They vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, creating a smooth optical surface that can improve clarity and comfort.3
Our team uses EyeSpace fitting software to design precise, comfortable lenses. Poorly fitted lenses may worsen corneal stress, so expert fitting and ongoing review are important.8,9
Corneal collagen cross-linking, or CXL, aims to strengthen the cornea and slow or stop progression.10 It works best when progressive keratoconus is detected early. The introduction of CXL has been associated with a reduction in corneal transplantation for keratoconus, supporting its role in reducing progression to advanced disease.11
Intracorneal ring segments may reshape the cornea in selected mild to moderate cases.3
Corneal transplant, or keratoplasty, is usually reserved for advanced keratoconus with severe scarring, poor lens tolerance, or vision that cannot be corrected with lenses.1,3
Pellucid marginal degeneration, or PMD, is a rarer corneal thinning condition that can look similar to keratoconus. It usually affects the lower cornea and can cause high against-the-rule astigmatism.5 Accurate diagnosis matters because lens fitting and management can differ.
Book an assessment if you notice:
Book your appointment now for personalised eye care tailored just for you.
