Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, though symptoms in each eye may differ. Symptoms usually start to occur in people who are in their late teens and early 20s and may include:
• Blurring of vision
• Distortion of vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Glare
• Mild eye irritation
The rate of progression varies. Keratoconus will often progress slowly for 10 to 20 years and then suddenly stop. As the condition progresses, the most common symptoms include:
- Increased blurring and distortion of your vision
- Increased nearsightedness or astigmatism
- Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
- Inability to wear contact lenses
Occasionally, keratoconus can advance rapidly, with sudden swelling of the cornea and development of corneal scarring. Scar tissue on the cornea causes the cornea to lose its smoothness and clarity. As a result, even more distortion and blurring of vision can occur.
Next Page: Keratoconus Diagnosis
