Issue 11/2023
Metodieva, M.
„Zora“ Eye Hospital – Sofia
Keratoconus is a degenerative disease of the cornea which is characterised by its surface getting thinner and uneven. Affected by this condition the cornea bulges forward into a cone shape progressively worsening the vision.
Keratoconus usually begins in puberty and progresses until the patient reaches mid-thirties. Often both eyes get affected and almost always asymmetrically.
The etiology of keratoconus is not fully understood. It is known that this is a genetic disease and there is a familial predisposition for it. Risk factors for its development are some systemic diseases, chronic allergies of the eyes, puberty and young age. Gold standard for diagnosis of keratoconus is color-coded mapping – corneal topography.
The purpose of the treatment of keratoconus is good remaining visual acuity and the stop of its progression, but there is no definitive therapy for it.
There are three main treatment options: Slowing of its progression with CXL; Vision correction – wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses; Surgical treatment
Nowadays there are many options for treatment and correction of vision of patients diagnosed with keratoconus. Most important remain early diagnosis and CXL done in time – in cases with proven progression in order to preserve remaining vision with or without correction.
Address for correspondence:
Мetodieva, M.
„Zora“ Hospital – Sofia
84, „Zarigradsko shose“, Blvd.
1000, Sofia