Keratoconus/Corneal Dystrophies
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory protrusion of the cornea. It is characterized by progressive steepening and thinning of the cornea. As the condition progresses, the patient experiences a decrease in vision quality. Onset is usually in the teen years or early 20’s and is found in both men and women. It happens in both eyes, but one eye usually starts first. This causes vision to become asymmetric. The second eye can lag behind the first eye by 5 – 7 years.
As the condition progresses, the cornea becomes increasingly distorted such that a change in glasses or soft lens prescription will no longer correct vision adequately. The patient would then require a gas permeable contact lens to achieve acceptable vision. While the progression of the disease is unpredictable and does interfere with sharpness of vision, it rarely causes blindness. With the latest in contact lens technology, adequate vision and excellent comfort is possible without the need for a corneal transplant.
What is Pellucid Marginal Degeneration?
PMD is a bilateral corneal disorder hallmarked by inferior corneal thinning, resulting in high degrees of against-the-rule corneal astigmatism. It affects both genders, most often between the ages of 20 and 40, with no apparent hereditary transmission. It is differentiated from keratoconus in that with PMD, central corneas retain normal thickness. Dr. Brown uses the latest in contact lens technology including Rose K IC, SynergEyes Hybrid, and and Scleral contact lenses to custom fit the lens to each individual eye.
