Disease Information for Keratoconus

A noninflammatory, usually bilateral protrusion of the cornea, the apex being displaced downward and nasally; It occurs most commonly in females at about puberty; The cause is unknown but hereditary factors may play a role; The -conus refers to the cone shape of the corneal protrusion; (Dorland) Synonyms of Keratoconus; Conical Cornea; KC; Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye (ocular) condition characterized by progressive changes of the shape of the cornea; The cornea is the thin-walled, "dome-shaped" transparent region forming the front of the eyeball; it serves as a protective covering and helps to focus or bend (refract) light waves onto the retina at the back of the eye; In those with Keratoconus, slowly progressive thinning of the cornea causes it to protrude forward in a conical shape, leading to blurry vision and other vision problems; Keratoconus often begins at puberty; Although the specific underlying cause of the condition is unknown, investigators indicate that genetic factors may play some role; In addition, in some cases, Keratoconus may occur in association with trauma or variety of other disorders which can be spoonable (Treatment).

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