keratoconus

Can Eye Rubbing Cause Keratoconus?

December 23, 2014 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

For quite some time, eye doctors hypothesized as to whether or not eye rubbing was a cause of keratoconus, an eye condition affecting the shape of the typically-dome-shaped cornea. If the cornea is not strong enough to hold its shape, it can begin to slowly bulge into a cone shape. This is what is known as keratoconus and it makes it impossible for the eye to focus without the use of glasses or contact lenses.

Is Eye Rubbing to Blame for Keratoconus?

It is believed that constant eye rubbing every few minutes over years may lead to permanent changes to corneal curvature leading to formation of keratoconus. Several studies have found eye rubbing to cause transient (temporary) changes to cornea; however, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims of any long-term effects of eye rubbing. At least not yet…

A 2014 study, “Relationship Between Eye Rubbing and Transient Changes in Corneal Parameters in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomised-Controlled Trial,” is seeking to finally answer the question can eye rubbing cause keratoconus? The study tested healthy volunteers after they rubbed their right eye for 2 minutes. The volunteers underwent a tear film assessment and a corneal scan before and after the eye rubbing. Each volunteer also underwent a simple scan (IOLMaster scan) to assess the overall dimension of their eyeballs before eye rubbing.

The results have not yet been reported.

So What Actually Causes Keratoconus?

In most cases, the cause of kertoconus is unknown. However, certain studies suggest the condition may be hereditary, passed down from generation to generation. Keratoconus is also more prevalent in patients with certain medical problems, such as certain allergic conditions. However, the actual cause of the eye condition is not yet known.

Keratoconus Signs and Symptoms

The cornea becomes more irregular in shape
Subtle blurring of the vision
Causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism
Glare and light sensitivity may occur
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Keratoconus Treatment

The primary treatment option for Keratoconus patients remains the use of contact lenses, including rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) contact lenses. Other treatment options include: collagen cross-linking and even corneal transplantation.

Your eye doctor will be able to better inform you of your treatment options.

Diagnosing Keratoconus

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Let him help you too.

If you have any questions about Keratoconus or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

What is Keratoconus? Eye Health FAQs answered by your Annapolis Eye Doctor

November 9, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition affecting the shape of the cornea, the clear, central part of the front surface of the eye. The cornea is typically dome shaped. However, if the cornea is not strong enough to hold its shape, it can begin to slowly bulge into a cone shape. This is what is known as keratoconus.

What Causes Keratoconus?

In most cases, the cause of kertoconus is unknown. However, certain studies suggest the condition may be hereditary, passed down from generation to generation.

Other potential causes include:

Keratoconus is more prevalent in patients with certain medical problems, including certain allergic conditions.
Some researchers have hypothesized that chronic eye rubbing may be a culprit.

Still, most often, there is no underlying cause to explain the onset of keratoconus.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus?

The cornea becomes more irregular in shape
Subtle blurring or distortion of vision
Causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism
Glare and light sensitivity may occur
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Double vision when looking with just one eye

How does Keratoconus affect Vision?

The changing shape of the cornea makes it impossible for the eye to focus without the use of glasses or contact lenses.

Irregular Astigmatism: As the cornea slowly changes shape, the smooth surface also begins to become wavy, a condition known as irregular astigmatism.
Nearsightedness: As the cornea becomes more cone-like, the eye also becomes more nearsighted.

How is Keratoconus Treated?

For the most part, keratoconus is treated using eyeglasses or contacts, though other treatments are available, including:

Corneal Transplant: When keratoconus worsens to the point that glasses and contacts no longer make a difference, a corneal transplant may be required. Still, even after a transplant, you will likely need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision
Collagen Cross–Linking: This treatment method, which is still in clinical trials, uses UV light and a photosensitizer to strengthen the chemical bonds in the cornea. This halts progressive and regular changes in corneal shape.

To learn more about Keratoconus, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Source: Eye Health and Keratoconus WebMD

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Astigmatism Diagnosis & Treatment in Annapolis, Maryland

October 2, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

The cornea is responsible for bending or refracting light rays, focusing that light onto the retina. When the cornea is not symmetrical, it is unable to properly focus light. And when the cornea is unable to properly focus light, vision is affected. This is known as astigmatism.

Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism can be caused by several different factors, including:

Astigmatism can run in families

Trauma

Scarring of the cornea from lacerations

Keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea becomes progressively cone shaped

Infection

Heavy eyelids

Lenticular astigmatism

Signs and Symptoms of Astigmatism

The most common symptom associated with astigmatism is blurred or blurry vision. Additional symptoms include:

Difficulty reading

Inability to see both close and distant objects

Eye strain

Headaches

Tired eyes

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. He or she will be able to properly diagnose your situation and provide treatment recommendations.

Astigmatism Treatment

There are several effective treatments for astigmatism, including:

Eyeglasses: With lenses shaped to counteract the abnormal shape of the cornea, eyeglasses can effectively alleviate the symptoms of astigmatism.

Toric Contact Lenses: These special contact lenses are designed to return to their original position every time a person blinks, unlike traditional contact lenses. This helps compensate for any abnormal curvature of the cornea.

LASIK: Your ophthalmologist will actually use a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting any abnormalities.

Astigmatic Keratotomy: Also known as limbal relaxing incisions, astigmatic keratotomy is a surgical treatment consisting of strategically placed, tiny incisions on the steepest curves of the cornea. This allows light to focus more precisely on the retina.

To learn more about Astigmatism, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Astigmatism Directory WebMD

Keratoconus Signs and Symptoms :: Keratoconus Treatment Options in Maryland

May 24, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disorder affecting the shape of the cornea, the clear structure covering of the front of the eye (similar to the glass faceplate on a watch). Over time, in Keratoconus, the normally round cornea begins to bulge into a cone-like shape, deflecting light entering the eye and causing distorted vision.

The cause of Keratoconus is currently unknown, although several researchers believe allergies and excessively rubbing one’s eyes may play a role.

Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus

The cornea becomes more irregular in shape
Subtle blurring of the vision
Causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism
Glare and light sensitivity may occur
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Keratoconus Treatment

The primary treatment option for Keratoconus patients remains the use of contact lenses, including:

Custom soft contact lenses specially designed to correct mild-to-moderate forms of this eye disease.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) contact lenses, which, with their rigid shape, replace the irregular shape of the cornea with a smooth refracting surface.
Some eye care professionals recommend “piggybacking” two different types of contact lenses on the same eye to increase the wearer’s comfort.

Other Keratoconus treatment options include:

Collagen cross-linking, which is still in clinical trials, is a technique that uses UV light and a photosensitizer to strengthen chemical bonds in the cornea to halt progressive and irregular changes in corneal shape.
Severe cases of Keratoconus may require corneal transplantation. Still, even after a transplant, you will likely need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.

Your eye doctor will be able to better inform you of your treatment options.

More on Corneal Collagen Crosslinking: The Methods

Collagen crosslinking, an investigational treatment in the United States, was first performed in Europe in the late 1990s for the treatment of ectatic corneal conditions. The treatment combines riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) light, allowing the formation of reactive oxygen species, with the goal of halting the progression of corneal disease.[1-4]

For riboflavin to act as a catalyst in this process, it must first be absorbed into the corneal stroma. Because the corneal epithelium acts as a barrier to riboflavin absorption, it can be removed before treatment with UV light.

The Dresden technique, or “epi-off” crosslinking, is initial removal of the central 9 mm of epithelium, followed by 30 minutes of riboflavin administration. Subsequently, UVA light is applied for 30 minutes, followed by bandage contact lens placement. Epi-off crosslinking can be effective in reducing keratometry readings.[1,3-5] The potential risks of this procedure include initial worsening of vision in the first month, pain, haze, corneal melt, and infection.[6]

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler was the first to perform transepithelial crosslinking, or “epi-on” crosslinking, in 2004. Because the epithelium is not removed, riboflavin loading requires more time than with epi-off techniques. Epi-on crosslinking has several distinct advantages: faster visual recovery; reduced pain; and reduced risks for delayed epithelial healing, infection, and visually significant corneal haze.

To learn more about Keratoconus and proper eye health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

Presbyopia, Glaucoma, and Cataracts may be a common part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Keratoconus