Keratoconus and the importance of serial topograhpy screening

Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea that makes the cornea weak and may gradually bulge outward which eventually can lead to loss of vision. Keratoconus often begins to develop in the teen years, but can start at any age. Changes to the cornea are gradual, and usually take several years to appear. This makes catching keratoconus difficult, but patients tend to have some typical signs such as distorted and blurred vision, myopia, astigmatism, double vision, headaches due to strain, glare, and light sensitivity.  Once keratoconus is recognized serial pentacam (topography) screening is essential to identify progression. If progression is found, corneal cross-linking is used to stabilize and prevent further progression saving the integrity of the cornea.