Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to thin and bulge. This can lead to blurred vision, double vision, and other visual distortions. KC is typically diagnosed in the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress over time.
World KC Day, celebrated on November 10th, is a national awareness day sponsored by the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF). The day is dedicated to raising awareness about KC, as well as educating and advocating for those living with the condition.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition that affects the cornea. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that helps to focus light. In people with KC, the cornea thins and bulges out, which can cause blurred vision, double vision, and other visual distortions.
KC is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. However, the rate of progression varies from person to person. Some people may experience rapid progression, while others may have only mild changes over many years.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
The most common symptoms of keratoconus are:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Streaking vision
- Ghosting
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Sensitivity to light
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain
Diagnosis and Treatment of Keratoconus
Keratoconus is typically diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Your eye doctor will use a variety of tests to measure the thickness and shape of your cornea.
There is no cure for keratoconus, but there are a number of treatments that can help to improve vision and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options include:
- Contact lenses: Contact lenses can help to correct the irregular shape of the cornea and improve vision.
- Corneal collagen cross-linking: This procedure stiffens the cornea and can help to slow the progression of KC.
- Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS): ICRs are small plastic rings that are implanted into the cornea to help improve vision and slow the progression of KC.
- Corneal transplant: In severe cases of KC, a corneal transplant may be necessary.
World KC Day
World KC Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about keratoconus and support those living with the condition. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Learn more about KC. Visit the NKCF website or other credible sources to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of KC.
- Share your story. If you have KC, share your story on social media using the hashtags #WorldKCDay, #KCConfidence, and #LivingWithKC.
- Support the NKCF. The NKCF is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting research and education about KC. You can donate to the NKCF or volunteer your time to help raise awareness about the condition.
Conclusion
Keratoconus is a challenging eye condition, but there is hope. Thanks to research and advances in treatment, people with KC can now live full and productive lives. World KC Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the condition and support those living with KC.
