Correcting Keratoconus

Ahead of World Keratoconus Day on November 10, experts share their insights on the importance of early diagnosis and effective management to preserve vision

- VENNUSALA RAMYA

THERE'S undeniable beauty in the human eyes. They can express and hide an ocean of emotions, acting as a window to your heart - no wonder they have been the muse of poets for ages. But imagine those beautiful eyes suddenly bulging into a cone shape, like something out of a horror movie. Scary, right?

Well, that's possible, and the condition is called keratoconus, often abbreviated as 'KC'. To create awareness of the disease, November 10 is observed every year as World Keratoconus Day.

The condition is a progressive eye disease that affects the shape and structure of the cornea, causing vision impairment. Dr Deepti Mehta, a retina specialist, says, "Keratoconus is a condition where the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to symptoms like blurry or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and frequent changes in prescription."

Although the exact cause of this disease isn't fully understood, it's believed to be a mix of genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors.