Keratoconus

Progressive Corneal Ectasia with Cone-Shaped Protrusion

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Published: February 1, 2026

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Keratoconus?

Progressive stromal thinning and biomechanical weakening produce anterior protrusion of the cornea.

Onset typically in adolescence; progresses until the third or fourth decade then stabilizes.

Clinical features: Vogt striae, Fleischer ring, Munson sign, scissoring reflex on retinoscopy.

Corneal topography/tomography is the gold standard; subclinical (forme fruste) cases are identified preoperatively to avoid LASIK.

Symptoms

Progressive blurred vision and increasing astigmatism

Frequent spectacle prescription changes

Poor correction with glasses, intolerance of soft contact lenses

Glare, halos, and monocular diplopia

Sudden vision loss with pain and corneal edema (acute hydrops)

Photophobia and eye rubbing history

Risk Factors

Family history and genetic predisposition

Chronic eye rubbing (strong environmental factor)

Atopic disease (allergy, asthma, eczema, vernal keratoconjunctivitis)

Connective tissue disorders (Down syndrome, Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos)

Sleep apnea and floppy eyelid syndrome

Ethnic background (Middle Eastern, South Asian higher prevalence)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Progressive astigmatism or vision that cannot be corrected with glasses
Rapid myopic/astigmatic shift in adolescents or young adults
Sudden pain and vision loss (possible hydrops)

Treatment Methods

Early-stage: spectacles and rigid gas-permeable or scleral contact lenses for irregular astigmatism

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and UV-A to halt progression

Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) to flatten the cone and improve contact lens tolerance

Topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy combined with CXL in selected cases

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or penetrating keratoplasty for advanced disease

Strict avoidance of eye rubbing and management of underlying atopy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.