What happens if keratoconus is not treated

Introduction :

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that causes the cornea to become thin and bulge outwards into a cone shape, which can result in distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and even blindness in severe cases. The vision of the eye can appear by using scleral lenses.

If left untreated, the condition can lead to a variety of complications, including:

1. Vision Loss: As the cornea continues to thin and bulge outwards, the shape of the eye changes, resulting in distorted and blurred vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
2. Scarring: Keratoconus can cause scarring on the cornea, which can further worsen vision problems and make it difficult to see clearly.
3. Hydrops: In rare cases, the thinning of the cornea can cause it to rupture, allowing fluid to enter and swell the cornea. This is called hydrops and can cause sudden and severe vision loss.
4. Astigmatism: Keratoconus can cause irregular astigmatism, which can make it difficult to see objects clearly at any distance.
5. Halos and glare: People with keratoconus may experience halos and glare around lights, which can make it difficult to drive at night or in low-light conditions.
6. Contact lens intolerance: As the shape of the cornea changes, it can become increasingly difficult to fit contact lenses, which can make it challenging to correct vision problems.

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How Untreated Keratoconus Can Lead To Permanent Vision Loss?

Untreated keratoconus can lead to permanent vision loss in several ways. Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that causes the cornea to become thin and bulge outwards into a cone shape, which can result in distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and other visual symptoms.

One way that untreated keratoconus can lead to permanent vision loss is through the development of corneal scarring. As the cornea becomes thinner and more distorted in shape, it can develop small tears and scratches that can lead to scarring over time. This scarring can cause the cornea to become less transparent and interfere with the passage of light into the eye, resulting in vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Another way that untreated keratoconus can lead to permanent vision loss is through the development of hydrops. Hydrops occurs when the thinning of the cornea becomes so severe that it ruptures, allowing fluid to enter and swell the cornea. This sudden and severe swelling can cause the cornea to become cloudy and opaque, leading to rapid vision loss that can be permanent.

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Conclusion

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. The thinning and bulging of the cornea can cause a range of visual symptoms, including distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and halos around lights.

If left untreated, keratoconus can lead to corneal scarring, which can cause the cornea to become less transparent and interfere with the passage of light into the eye. Additionally, untreated keratoconus can lead to the development of hydrops, and sudden and severe swelling of the cornea that can cause rapid and permanent vision loss.