Does Keratoconus Ever Stop Progressing?

Feb 1, 2024 | Vision Problems

Living with keratoconus can be challenging. Dealing with blurry vision and having to change prescriptions constantly can be overwhelming. If you have keratoconus, you might wonder if it’ll ever stop getting worse. In this blog post, we’ll answer this question and discuss treatment options that can help you manage the condition and live a fulfilling life.  

What is keratoconus? 

First, let’s take a closer look at what keratoconus is and how it develops. Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of your eye. In a healthy eye, the cornea is round and even, allowing light to enter and focus correctly on the retina. However, with keratoconus, the cornea gets thin and bulges outward, forming a cone-like shape. This can cause symptoms like: 

  • Difficulty seeing at night 
  • Increased sensitivity to light and glare 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Double vision 

Does keratoconus stop progressing? 

The progression of keratoconus varies from person to person. In some cases, the progression is slow and may even stop on its own. In other cases, it progresses rapidly, which can lead to severe vision problems. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how fast the disease will progress and when it will stop. Usually, people notice that their vision stabilizes around their mid-thirties, but it can vary anywhere between the late twenties to the mid-forties. 

Can keratoconus be treated? 

While there isn’t a cure for keratoconus, there are plenty of treatments available to help manage symptoms and slow down its progression. One of the most effective treatments is scleral lenses. These lenses are different from regular contact lenses because they rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) rather than the cornea. This helps improve both vision and comfort. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the cornea’s shape, such as corneal cross-linking. 

 

If you have keratoconus, you may be worried about the progression of the disease. The good news is that with the right treatment, you can manage the symptoms and slow down its progression. 

At Lawrenceville Family Eyecare, we specialize in treating keratoconus and offer scleral lenses as a treatment option. Our experienced eye doctor in Lawrenceville, Georgia will work with you to figure out the best treatment plan for your needs. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward effectively managing your keratoconus.