Keratoconus Diagnosis & Treatment
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory disorder that affects the cornea, causing it to thin and steepen into an irregular, cone-like shape. This leads to distorted vision, light sensitivity, and gradually decreased vision. Symptoms typically appear during a person’s late teens or twenties.
Request an AppointmentHow Keratoconus Affects Daily Life
Keratoconus can make everyday tasks like reading and driving noticeably more difficult as vision becomes increasingly distorted. Because it develops gradually, it’s often first caught during a routine eye exam — one more reason regular checkups matter for children and young adults, even those with no obvious vision complaints.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is at diagnosis:
- Corneal cross-linking (iLink): For progressive keratoconus, this FDA-approved procedure strengthens the cornea and halts further progression. Learn more about cross-linking.
- Specialty contact lenses: Rigid or scleral lenses can improve vision by compensating for the irregular corneal shape in mild to moderate cases.
- DSAEK or corneal transplant: In advanced cases where the cornea has scarred or cross-linking is no longer effective, DSAEK or full corneal transplantation may be necessary to restore vision.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Keratoconus is progressive, meaning it tends to worsen over time if left untreated — but the earlier it’s caught, the more treatment options remain available, and the better the likely outcome. Our fellowship-trained cornea specialists regularly manage keratoconus at every stage, from early cross-linking candidates to patients who need advanced transplant surgery after being told their case was too complex elsewhere.
If you or your child are experiencing blurred or distorted vision, frequent prescription changes, or increased light sensitivity, contact Louisiana Eye Specialists at to schedule a corneal evaluation.
Request an AppointmentKeratoconus FAQs
What causes keratoconus?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but genetics, chronic eye rubbing, and certain allergic conditions are believed to play a role.
At what age does keratoconus usually start?
Symptoms most often begin in the late teens or twenties, though it can occasionally appear earlier or later.
Can keratoconus be corrected with regular glasses?
In early stages, glasses or standard contacts may help, but as the cornea becomes more irregular, specialty lenses or cross-linking are often needed.
Is corneal cross-linking a cure for keratoconus?
It doesn’t reverse existing damage, but it’s highly effective at stopping further progression when performed early.
Will I eventually need a cornea transplant?
Not necessarily. Many patients are successfully managed with cross-linking or specialty lenses and never require transplant surgery.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
It’s typically identified through corneal topography, a detailed mapping of the cornea’s shape, often performed as part of a comprehensive eye exam.