Khanna Vision Institute Keratoconus
Types of Keratoconus
- What are the types of keratoconus?
Keratoconus can be classified in a few different ways Subclinical or forme fruste keratoconus is when early topographic signs are detected with no symptoms or signs of keratoconus.
Early keratoconus - The early stage of keratoconus is where patient reports symptoms like frequent rubbing, visual distortion. Clinical signs like scissor reflex may be present. There are definitve signs on corneal topography. These keratonic eyes are still amneable to correction with glasses or contact lenses.
Advanced keratoconus - The keratoconus eyes are intolerant to contact lenses and glasses do not correct vision completely. There is ghosting and even double vision with glare at night. The cone can be detected on topography. There are clinical signs like munsons and haabs striae whcih can be detected by a keratoconus doctor.These eyes with keratoconus require intacs or cornea collagen cross linking or cxl by a keratoconus surgeon.
Severe keratoconus - This is the final stage of keratoconus where corne has thinned out ( even leading to rupture in some cases), and the there are visually significant corneal opacities. The cornea is very steep and the cone is fallen.
Another way to classify is whether the cone is inferior or superior on corneal topography. The most common presentaion is an inferior cone. Superior cone is very rare. For all practical purposes keratoconus eye disease is considered to have an inferior cone. There is another way to classify keratoconus. It is based on the videokeratographic patterns of the cornea. These tests of corneal topography interpreted by an experienced keratoconus surgeon can be used to classify the disease into one of four stages.
It therefore becomes important to consult with a specialist in keratoconus and not just any eye doctor.
