Keratoconus
Keratoconus Resources
Keratoconus resources for Patients
Clear, practical guidance to help you prepare for consultations, understand treatment options, and feel confident in your decisions.
Keratoconus resources for Healthcare Professionals
Information for optometrists and referring doctors, including referral considerations and collaborative care.
How to use this Keratoconus guide
This page provides an overview of keratoconus and links to more detailed information on each aspect of the condition.
You can use this guide to:
- Understand how keratoconus affects the cornea and vision
- Recognise changes in visual clarity and distortion
- Learn about factors that influence progression
- Explore how the condition is assessed, managed and monitored over time
This guide is designed to help you navigate the condition clearly and understand the importance of regular assessment and ongoing care.
Keratoconus Overview
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye responsible for focusing light. In this condition, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and develops an irregular shape, which alters how light is focused onto the retina.
In a healthy eye, the cornea has a smooth and regular curvature that allows light to be focused clearly. In keratoconus, this regular shape is disrupted, leading to uneven focusing and changes in visual clarity. These changes may develop gradually and can vary in severity over time.
Keratoconus is considered a progressive condition, although the rate of progression differs between individuals. In some cases, changes occur slowly, while in others they may develop more rapidly. Because the structure of the cornea is affected, the condition influences the optical system of the eye rather than the retina or optic nerve.
Understanding keratoconus is important in recognising how changes in corneal shape can affect vision. Early identification allows for appropriate monitoring and supports timely management to maintain visual function.
When to seek assesment
You should seek assessment if you notice changes in your vision such as increasing blur, distortion, ghosting, or difficulty focusing clearly. Frequent changes in spectacle prescription or worsening vision despite correction should also be evaluated.
Assessment is important even if symptoms are mild, as keratoconus can progress over time. Early evaluation allows for monitoring and timely management to help maintain visual function.
If you are experiencing changes in your vision or are concerned about keratoconus, schedule a consultation with Dr Cronjé Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon | FC Ophth (SA) | MBChB (Pret) | Dip Ophth (SA) for expert evaluation and personalised care.