Vision Correction

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
I have keratoconus. Is this a refractive eye error?

Answer:
Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea (the clear front part of the eyeball) in which the cornea becomes abnormally thin and irregular in shape. This can result in myopia (nearsightedness) and/or astigmatism (optical irregularity.) Myopia and astigmatism are both refractive errors of the eye; but in many patients with keratoconus, it is not possible to correct these refractive errors adequately with eyeglasses, so many patients with keratoconus must wear contact lenses--usually hard, gas-permeable contact lenses--to achieve clear vision.

Answered by: Lee Duffner, MD

Categories: Eye Diseases, General Eye Health

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