The word keratoconus is formed from two greek words: "Karato" meaning "cornea", and "konos" meaning "cone". Keratoconus (KC) or conical cornea, see diagram below, is a condition in which the normally round shape of the cornea is distorted. A cone like bulge develops, resulting in significant visual impairment. This distortion has been compared to viewing a street sign through your car windshield during a driving rainstorm. As the disease progresses, the cornea bulges and thins, becoming irregular and sometimes forming scars. If left untreated, it could develop to the point where a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Keratoconus has been known for at least two centuries, although it was not adequately described and distinguished from other similar corneal problems until the middle of the last century. The causes of the affliction are still unknown despite our long familiarity with it. There has been no shortage of speculation or study, and numerous theories have been proposed. One scientific view is that KC is developmental (i.e. genetic) in origin. This suggests that it is the consequence of an abnormality of growth, essentially a congenital defect. Another is that KC represents a degenerative condition. Still a third postulation is that KC is secondary to some disease process. This idea sprang from the fact that it affects both eyes. Another less widely held hypotheses suggest that the endocrine system may be involved. This idea gained some credence from the usual appearance of the disease at puberty.

However, KC may be controlled by use of well-fitted rigid contact lenses. Dr. Baker uses an Orbscan Topography instrument to measure and follow the rate of the disease process as it affects corneal thinning. This enables the doctors to adjust the contact lens fit, as needed, to better control the keratoconus over time.

Because of their renowned success in this area, many optometrist and surgical corneal specialists refer their Keratoconus patients to Dr. Baker for treatment and care.

For most KC patients their visual acuity through eyeglasses may be so poor that eyeglasses are not a viable option and specially designed contact lenses are the only choice. Dr. Baker maintain a large inventory of unique Keratoconus designed contact lenses. Many KC patients can be fit the same day as their initial examination.

Once the KC patient has been fit with contact lenses, follow up care is essential. The fit of the lenses needs to be monitored and changed over time. This fine tuning takes place while the patient is in the office. Our contact lens lab has a wide range of tools that are used to alter the fit depending on the patients' needs. With this level of care available, very few of our KC patients ever need a corneal transplant.

For more information about keratoconus you can visit http://www.kcenter.org/ or http://external.csmc.edu/nkcf/.