{"id":43431,"date":"2025-06-16T07:35:50","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T07:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/?post_type=vision&#038;p=43431"},"modified":"2025-11-06T13:38:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T13:38:08","slug":"keratoconus","status":"publish","type":"vision","link":"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-conditions\/keratoconus\/","title":{"rendered":"Keratoconus"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"43431\" class=\"elementor elementor-43431\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82f8d80 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"82f8d80\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce7967c cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce7967c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/ocular-support\/corneal-support\/\">Nutritional support<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2423c86b e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2423c86b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-763c0408 e-n-tabs-mobile cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-tabs\" data-id=\"763c0408\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;tabs_justify_horizontal&quot;:&quot;start&quot;,&quot;horizontal_scroll&quot;:&quot;disable&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-tabs.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs\" data-widget-number=\"1983644680\" aria-label=\"Tabs. Open items with Enter or Space, close with Escape and navigate using the Arrow keys.\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-heading\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446801\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446801\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"true\" data-tab-index=\"1\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446801\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tAnatomy\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446802\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446802\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"2\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446802\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tTypes\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446803\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446803\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"3\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446803\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tWhat Happens?\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446804\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446804\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"4\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446804\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tSymptoms\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446805\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446805\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"5\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446805\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tCauses\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446806\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446806\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"6\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446806\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 6;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tSelf help discussion\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446807\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446807\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"7\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446807\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 7;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tNews\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446801\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446801\" data-tab-index=\"1\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\" class=\"e-active elementor-element elementor-element-3ae4fb8b e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3ae4fb8b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23775999 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"23775999\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1dd7d3b1 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1dd7d3b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id=\"anatomy\">About the Cornea<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-332aef5d e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"332aef5d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54d9c578 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"54d9c578\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Six layers make up the structure of the cornea.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The epithelium<\/strong>, the outermost layer, is a thin layer of protective cells.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The Bowman&#8217;s layer<\/strong>\u00a0contains collagen fibers that help maintain the cornea&#8217;s shape.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The Dua layer<\/strong>\u00a0is a strong, thin, air-proof layer of collagen.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The corneal stroma<\/strong>\u00a0is transparent but very fibrous and tough. It is the thickest layer of the cornea. It is a special tissue (mesenchymal) composed of organized layers of types I and V collagen with fibroblast cells between the layers. These cells secrete a matrix to maintain both strength and transparency.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Descemet&#8217;s membrane<\/strong>\u00a0is comprised of IV and VIII collagen fibers. If this layer is damaged (as in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-conditions\/fuchs-dystrophy\/\">Fuch&#8217;s dystrophy<\/a>), a corneal transplant may be required. If this membrane fails, then the cornea becomes increasingly cloudy.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Corneal endothelium<\/strong>\u00a0is the &#8220;basement&#8221; of the cornea on which the other layers and membranes are seated.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Nerve fibers.<\/strong>\u00a0The cornea is tightly populated with nerve fibers, making it the most sensitive of all tissues: 20-40 times more sensitive than the root of your tooth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446802\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446802\" data-tab-index=\"2\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-234c442d e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"234c442d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7919ee71 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7919ee71\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-651ccaa7 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"651ccaa7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id=\"types\">Types of Keratoconus<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a47470e e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a47470e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6636e9c cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6636e9c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The different types of keratoconus determine where the area of bulging is occurring. A technique known as corneal topography measures the contour of the cornea. Normal corneal topography displays a regular and uniform surface without strong declivities.<\/p><p><strong>Forme frust.<\/strong>\u00a0The irregularities are mild, and neither slit-lamp exams nor corneal topography will show abnormalities; but by considering the results of these techniques along with normality and biomechanical status, the doctor can screen for this early form of keratoconus. The patient does not notice symptoms, and the condition is correctable with glasses or soft contact lenses.<\/p><p><strong>Nipple cone.<\/strong>\u00a0There is a small isolated area of bulging at, or near, the center of the cornea. Vision can be significantly distorted however, because the area of bulging is very near the pupil.<\/p><p><strong>Oval cone.<\/strong>\u00a0This is the most common form. With the development of the oval (or sagging) cone, comes more difficulty in fitting contact lenses, along with scarring and corneal hydrops (rupture of the cornea). The bulging is more to the side of the cornea rather than the center, but it continues into the center where it distorts vision. Special types of contact lenses can correct vision.<\/p><p><strong>Globus cone.<\/strong>\u00a0This condition has significant thinning and bulging, covering 75% of the cornea. It is the most severe form and is also uncommon. It typically requires a corneal transplant.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446803\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446803\" data-tab-index=\"3\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-180b2674 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"180b2674\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3886ecf7 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3886ecf7\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25d9dd89 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"25d9dd89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id=\"risk\">What Happens?<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12477fd5 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"12477fd5\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cc8e34a cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cc8e34a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dua&#8217;s layer helps control the flow of fluid from the eye, contributing to the functioning of the sieve-like trabecular meshwork in the periphery of the cornea. A poor functioning trabecular meshwork can lead to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-conditions\/glaucoma\/\">glaucoma<\/a>. Tears developing in the Dua&#8217;s layer contribute to fluid build-up. Additionally, in cases of severe bulging, a tear in the Descemet&#8217;s membrane can also develop, allowing fluid from inside the eye to permeate the cornea.<\/p><p>When tears develop in the thin Dua&#8217;s and Descemet&#8217;s layers the Bowman&#8217;s layer begins to deteriorate. The damage results in fluid that, from inside the eye, permeates the cornea.<\/p><p>Furthermore, researchers have found that the damaged cornea shows signs of oxidation damage to the Bowman&#8217;s layer caused by free radicals. The cells create a common antigen-related protein (LAR) that is not found in normal corneas. It is felt that if cornea membrane cells are only partially damaged, they can heal, but over time corneal cells can die, causing vision loss.<\/p><p>These changes result in severe haziness, which is often accompanied by blister like lesions of the superficial cornea, resulting in impairment of vision and discomfort.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446804\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446804\" data-tab-index=\"4\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-2e372b3d e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2e372b3d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a53606b e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5a53606b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52f3d0f1 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52f3d0f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id=\"symptoms\">Symptoms<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a21892f e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a21892f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8205847 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8205847\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Symptomatic abnormalities include deterioration of cornea cells, collagen fibers and membranes, mitochondria swelling, and protein synthesis abnormalities. These alterations take place both within the cells and in the spaces between cells.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p><ul><li>Visual distortion with and without eyeglasses.<\/li><li>Standard contact lenses do not fit well.<\/li><li>Multiple images (monocular polyopia)<\/li><li>Glare from lights<\/li><li>Light sensitivity<\/li><li>Poor night vision<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b4944f elementor-widget-widescreen__width-initial elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5b4944f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"510\" src=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Depositphotos_151288678_L-1024x510.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-61658\" alt=\"Depositphotos_151288678_L\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Depositphotos_151288678_L-1024x510.webp 1024w, https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Depositphotos_151288678_L-300x149.webp 300w, https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Depositphotos_151288678_L-768x382.webp 768w, https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Depositphotos_151288678_L-1536x765.webp 1536w, https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Depositphotos_151288678_L-602x300.webp 602w, https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Depositphotos_151288678_L.webp 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446805\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446805\" data-tab-index=\"5\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-732b2da3 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"732b2da3\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1453757e e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1453757e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a109b8f cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a109b8f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id=\"causes\">Causes<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a32561e cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a32561e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are several apparent causes. It may be develop due to tears in the Dua layer which allow fluid buildup. The cornea tissue may thin due to the deterioration of the Bowman&#8217;s Layer &#8212; it is not inflamed but exhibits signs of free radical damage.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n<p>Researchers have found that the damaged cornea shows signs of oxidation damage to the Bowman&#8217;s Layer caused by free radicals. The cells create an enzyme called &#8220;leukocyte&#8221;, a common antigen related protein (LAR) that is not found in normal corneas. It is felt that if cornea membrane cells are only partially damaged they can heal, but over time corneal cells can be killed causing vision loss.<\/p>\n\n<p>With the 2013 discovery of the Dua&#8217;s layer, it is also thought that a tear in this thin, tough layer may allow fluid to leak, creating pressure on the cornea (acute hydrops).<\/p>\n<ul>\n \t<li><strong>Oxidative damage<\/strong>\u00a0by free radicals.<sup>5, 6<\/sup><\/li>\n \t<li><strong>Allergies<\/strong>\u00a0Approximately 40-50 percent of keratoconus patients have allergies. Allergies may be a contributing factor.<sup>7<\/sup><\/li>\n \t<li><strong>Magnesium deficiencies<\/strong>\u00a0are linked to keratoconus. Researchers have found that alterations to cells and molecules in the eyes of patients with keratoconus are similar to the alterations caused by magnesium deficiency.<sup>4<\/sup>\u00a0Alcoholism, pregnancy, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, diuretics and stress can lead to a magnesium deficiency. Low magnesium can cause a thinning of elastic membranes such as the cornea.<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>Genetic disposition<\/strong>\u00a0is a risk factor (when family members have had this condition). Six genes are associated with keratoconus.\u00a0<sup>8<\/sup><\/li>\n \t<li>Those with\u00a0<strong>Downs syndrome<\/strong>\u00a0have a 6 times greater risk of keratoconus. Five to 8% of Downs patients have keratoconus.<sup>2<\/sup><\/li>\n \t<li><strong>African Americans and Latinos<\/strong>\u00a0have a 50% greater rate as compared to the white population.<\/li>\n \t<li><strong>Respiratory conditions<\/strong>. Those suffering from sleep apnea and asthma are at greater risk.<\/li>\n \t<li>Other vision conditions associated with keratoconus include\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-conditions\/retinitis-pigmentosa\/\">retinitis pigmentosa<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-conditions\/lebers-optic-neuropathy\/\">Leber&#8217;s disease.<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li>Other factors such as chronic eye rubbing and wearing hard contact lenses are associated with keratoconus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446806\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446806\" data-tab-index=\"6\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 6;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-c3806bd e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c3806bd\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43fb73f e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"43fb73f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc7a5eb cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dc7a5eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id=\"causes\">Self Help Discussion<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-845f063 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"845f063\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision.<\/p>\n\n<p>MSM eyedrops<sup>9<\/sup>\u00a0and certain nutrients such as N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Vitamin C may help slow down development of keratoconus and support corneal health.<\/p>\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-conditions\/keratoconus\/#self\"><b>Homeopathic eye drops<\/b><\/a>\u00a0are helpful for dry eye that might be associated with keratoconus.<\/li>\n \t<li><b>Wear 100% UVA and UVB protecting wraparound sunglasses<\/b>\u00a0with a brimmed hat when you are outside. Having keratoconus makes you more light sensitive.<\/li>\n \t<li><b>Supplementation with nutrients and eyedrops<\/b>\u00a0that have been found to be helpful to protect vision.<\/li>\n \t<li><b>Diet &amp; lifestyle<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; see our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-disease-prevention\/preventing-eye-disease\/\">recommendations for healthy eyes<\/a>\u00a0for detailed information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-19836446807\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-19836446807\" data-tab-index=\"7\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 7;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-7cb39eed e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7cb39eed\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63d1407b e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-child\" data-id=\"63d1407b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-710a9ccc cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"710a9ccc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 id=\"news\" class=\"recent-posts\">Keratoconus News<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dcae76a cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4dcae76a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Want to learn more? See our blog\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/?s=keratoconus\">news on keratoconus<\/a>.<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"pointer\" src=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/menu-terms.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\u00a0See\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/ocular-support\/corneal-support\/\">Vitamins &amp; Supplements to support the cornea<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b1812fe e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6b1812fe\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dceb1d4 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3dceb1d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Bulging Cornea : Diagnosis &amp; Prognosis<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fddbd94 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fddbd94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The cornea is the clear front covering of the eye. Keratoconus (bulging of the cornea) is the most common type of corneal disorder, in which the cornea thins and protrudes, gradually takes on a conical rather than the normal rounded shape. Because the cornea is the first point of focusing light that comes into the eyes, vision is distorted. The condition often starts in puberty, and it is reported by teens who come to their eye doctor because their vision is poor. It then progresses gradually into adulthood and eventually stabilizes. Severe astigmatism can result causing poorer vision. Consequently, keratoconus is often mistaken for astigmatism.<\/p><p>Corneal topography is used to diagnose keratoconus. This technique is a special kind of photography that maps the corneal surface. Corneal pachymetry measures the thickness of the cornea, and sophisticated analysis data are now commonly used.10<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d41d3d2 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d41d3d2\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3927eaa cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3927eaa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conventional Treatment<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f927de cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f927de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Contact lenses<\/strong>\u00a0can be fitted by a specialist who fits contacts for keratoconus. Soft lenses can be used in the early stages and help hide the effects of irregularities in the cornea. Gas permeable (GP) lenses can be used when soft lenses are not sufficient; they cover a larger area of the cornea needed to provide a good fit. Piggyback lenses can be used if the patient is intolerant of the GP lenses. A soft contact lens is first fitted for the patient, then, a gas permeable lens is made to fit over the soft lens. Scleral contacts are most often used for treatment compared to gas permeable. Their vaulting effect of the central bulge is important and more comfortable than GP lenses.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Surgery<\/strong>\u00a0may be recommended when the above options do not work. Intacs can be implanted to enhance the stability of the cornea and achieve a more stable fit. Cross linking is the only FDA-approved treatment for halting the progression of keratoconus. It involves administering riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and UVA light in carefully selected parameters that strengthen the front layers of the cornea and avoid damage to the back part of the eye.<sup>11<\/sup><\/p>\n\n<p>If keratoconus is severe, a\u00a0<strong>corneal transplant,<\/strong>\u00a0(penetrating keratoplasty), is recommended by eye doctors in 25% of cases. With the discovery of the Dua layer, surgeons are more able to pinpoint location and so avoid damage to the corneal stroma. The femtosecond laser technology\u2019s accuracy additionally reduces surgical injury.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8da840 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c8da840\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0acf5b cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c0acf5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Related Conditions<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d976e5a cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d976e5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Keratoglobus &#8211; also known as megalocornea, occurs when the cornea thins at the edges and changes to a more globular shape due to deteriorating cornea structure.<\/li><li>Pellucid marginal degeneration &#8211; this is another degenerative condition in which the bottom edge and side margins of the cornea become thinner.<\/li><li>Posterior keratoconus &#8211; in this condition the back of the cornea deteriorates and thins.<\/li><li>Acute hydrops &#8211; occurs when swelling occurs due to leakage in the Descemet&#8217;s membrane (see the image above). Sometimes the cornea tears or is scarred.<\/li><li>Descemetocele &#8211; formation of a descemetocele occurs when the Descemet membrane bulges due to cornea damage caused by infection or corneal ulcer.<\/li><li>Pre-Descemet&#8217;s dystrophies &#8211; here, the stroma layer of the cornea develops opaque areas and lesions can form.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-caed1c1 e-con-full e-flex cmsmasters-block-default e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"caed1c1\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a87e83 cmsmasters-block-default cmsmasters-sticky-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9a87e83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><b>Footnotes<\/b><\/h4><p class=\"small\">1. https:\/\/www.nkcf.org\/en\/research.html<br \/>2. https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Keratoconus<br \/>3. https:\/\/www.mskcc.org\/cancer-care\/herb\/n-acetylcysteine<br \/>4. Thalasselis, A. (2005). The possible relationship between keratoconus and magnesium deficiency.\u00a0<i>Ophthalmic Physiol Opt.<\/i>\u00a0Jan;25(1):7-12.<br \/>5. Armal, E., Peris-Martinez, C., Menezon, J.L., Johnsen-Soriano, S., Romero, F.J. (2011). Oxidative stress in keratoconus?\u00a0<i>Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci<\/i>\u00a0Nov 4;52(12):8592-7.<br \/>6. Toprak, I., Kucukatay, V., Yildirim, C., Kilic-Toprak, E., Lilic-Erkek, O. (2014). Increased systemic oxidative stress in patients with keratoconus.\u00a0<i>Eye (Lond).<\/i>\u00a0Mar;28(3):285-9.<br \/>7. Sharma, N., Rao, K., Maharana, P.K., Vajpayee, R.B. (2013). Ocular allergy and keratoconus.\u00a0<i>Indian J Ophthalmol.<\/i>\u00a0Aug;61(8):407-409.<br \/>8.Woodward, M.A., Blachley, T.S., Stein, J.D. (2016). The Association Between Sociodemographic Factors, Common Systemic Diseases, and Keratoconus: An Analysis of a Nationwide Health Care Claims Database.\u00a0<i>Ophthalmology<\/i>\u00a0Mar;123(3):457-65.<br \/>9. Kim, Y.H., Kim, D.H., Lim, H., Baek, D.Y., Shin, H.K., et al. (2009). The anti-inflammatory effects of methylsulfonylmethane on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine macrophages.\u00a0<i>Biol Pharm Bull.<\/i>\u00a0Apr;32(4):651-6.<br \/>10. Santodomingo-Rubido J, Carracedo G, Suzaki A, Villa-Collar C, Vincent SJ, Wolffsohn JS. Keratoconus: An updated review.\u00a0<i>Cont Lens Anterior Eye.<\/i>\u00a02022 Jun;45(3):101559.<br \/>11. Lang SJ, Maier P, Reinhard T. Crosslinking und Keratokonus [Crosslinking and Keratoconus].\u00a0<i>Klin Monbl Augenheilkd.<\/i>\u00a02021 Jun;238(6):733-747. German. doi: 10.1055\/a-1472-0411.<br \/>Other sources:<br \/>GeneCardsSuite. Corneal Stroma. Retrieved Feb 8 2018 from https:\/\/discovery.lifemapsc.com\/in-vivo-development\/eye\/corneal-stroma.<br \/>Ueki, R., Maeda, N., Fuchihata, M., Koh, S., Kitaoka, T., et al. (2014). Differentiation of forme fruste keratoconus from normal cornea using parameters of corneal tomography, aberration, and biomechanics.\u00a0<i>IVOS.<\/i>\u00a055(13): 3705.<br \/>H. S. Dua, L. A. Faraj, M. J. Branch, A. M. Yeung, M. S. Elalfy, D. G., et al. (2014). The collagen matrix of the human trabecular meshwork is an extension of the novel pre-Descemet&#8217;s layer (Dua&#8217;s layer).\u00a0<i>Br J Ophthal.<\/i>\u00a0May;98(5):691-7.<br \/>Carracedo, G., Recchioni, A., Alejandre-Alba, N., Martin-Gil, A., Crooke, A., et al. (2015). Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye in Keratoconus Patients: A Pilot Study.\u00a0<i>Curr Eye Res.<\/i>\u00a040(11):1088-94.<br \/><a class=\"text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nkcf.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Keratoconus Foundation<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nutritional support Anatomy Types What Happens? Symptoms Causes Self help discussion News About the Cornea Six layers make up the structure of the cornea. The epithelium, the outermost layer, is a thin layer of protective cells. The Bowman&#8217;s layer\u00a0contains collagen fibers that help maintain the cornea&#8217;s shape. The Dua layer\u00a0is a strong, thin, air-proof layer&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-43431","vision","type-vision","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Keratoconus Information, Symptoms &amp; Treatment (bulging cornea)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about types of keratoconus, causes, progression, treatment options, and the anatomy of the cornea.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/naturaleyecare.com\/eye-conditions\/keratoconus\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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