Keratoconus
Everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis of keratoconus.
Corneal Ectatic Disorder
H18.60-H18.629
Teens to Early Adulthood
Yes
Overview
Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory corneal ectasia characterized by thinning and protrusion of the cornea into a cone-like shape. This results in increasing irregular astigmatism and reduced visual quality.
Early diagnosis is essential because corneal collagen cross-linking can slow or halt disease progression.
Symptoms & Signs
- Progressive blurred vision
- Increasing irregular astigmatism
- Frequent spectacle prescription changes
- Ghosting and multiple images
- Glare and halos
- Poor night vision
Causes & Risk Factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Chronic eye rubbing
- Atopy and allergic eye disease
- Down syndrome
- Connective tissue disorders
Diagnosis
- Manifest refraction
- Slit lamp examination
- Corneal topography
- Corneal tomography
- Pachymetry
- Keratometry
Differential Diagnosis
| Condition | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|
| Regular astigmatism | No ectasia on topography |
| Pellucid marginal degeneration | Inferior peripheral thinning |
| Corneal scar | History of trauma or infection |
| Post-LASIK ectasia | History of refractive surgery |
Treatment
- Glasses (early disease)
- Rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses
- Corneal collagen cross-linking
- Intrastromal corneal ring segments
- Corneal transplantation for advanced disease
Complications
- Corneal hydrops
- Progressive vision loss
- Corneal scarring
- Need for corneal transplantation
ICD-10 Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| H18.601 | Keratoconus, right eye |
| H18.602 | Keratoconus, left eye |
| H18.603 | Keratoconus, bilateral |
| H18.609 | Keratoconus, unspecified eye |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can keratoconus cause blindness?
Most patients do not become blind, but untreated disease can cause severe vision loss. Modern treatments often preserve useful vision.
Can keratoconus be cured?
There is no cure, but corneal collagen cross-linking can slow or stop progression in many patients.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Kardia Vision is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination or consultation with a qualified eye care professional.
If you experience sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, severe eye pain, chemical injury, or another eye emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, Kardia Vision does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content.