Keratoconus

Expert keratoconus care in Lubbock, TX. West Texas Eye Associates offers advanced corneal imaging, specialty contact lenses (scleral, hybrid, and RGP), corneal cross-linking to help slow progression, and surgical options like Intacs or corneal transplant evaluation when needed.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition that changes the shape of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped “front window” of the eye. The cornea protects the eye and focuses light onto the retina for clear vision. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, although one eye may progress faster and feel “worse” first. As the cornea becomes more irregular, many people notice that their prescription changes frequently, and glasses stop providing crisp vision even after an update.

The good news is that keratoconus is treatable, and care is highly personalized. West Texas Eye Associates can confirm the diagnosis with advanced corneal imaging, explain where you are on the condition’s spectrum, and recommend options to improve vision and help slow progression, including specialty contact lenses and corneal cross-linking when appropriate.

Keratoconus

Corneal TransplantsCorneal Cross-LinkingCornea

Why Keratoconus Happens

Keratoconus is often described as a “multi-factor” condition, meaning it usually develops from a mix of inherited risk and mechanical stress on the cornea over time. If you have a family history of keratoconus or certain connective tissue or allergy-related conditions, the cornea may be more vulnerable to thinning and shape change.

Chronic eye rubbing, especially hard knuckle rubbing, is one of the most common modifiable factors we see, and it often occurs in people with seasonal allergies, eczema, asthma, or dry, irritated eyes. Keratoconus also tends to start in the teen-to-young adult years and may worsen for a period before stabilizing, which is why early testing matters.

The exact cause is not fully understood. Many factors may play a role, including genetics and allergic or atopic conditions. Your West Texas Eye Associates doctor will review your history and test results to better understand your risk and progression pattern. 

Young man rubbing his eye with his knuckle outside because he needs keratoconus treatment from West Texas Eye Associates.
Teen speaking with her teacher happily after keratoconus treatment from West Texas Eye Associates

Common Keratoconus Symptoms

Keratoconus can begin with mild changes, then progress. Symptoms may include:

  • Blurry or distorted vision (straight lines may look bent or wavy)
  • Light sensitivity
  • Glare and halos around lights
  • Ghosting or multiple images
  • Starbursts at night
  • Frequent prescription changes

Keratoconus is often diagnosed in teens and young adults, and the progression pattern varies from person to person.

More Treatment Options for Keratoconus

Even when cross-linking is part of the plan, many patients still benefit from vision correction options, including:

Rigid gas permeable, hybrid, and scleral lenses to improve vision quality by creating a smoother optical surface

Small inserts are used  in select cases to help normalize corneal shape

For advanced keratoconus, when scarring or thinning limits other options

FAQ: Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea gradually thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. That change can distort vision and make glasses less effective over time.

Early signs often include blurry or distorted vision, increasing astigmatism, frequent prescription changes, glare or halos at night, and needing stronger glasses more often than expected.

Not exactly. Keratoconus can cause astigmatism, but keratoconus is a structural change in the cornea, while astigmatism can happen for several reasons and does not always mean the cornea is thinning or bulging.

An eye exam plus corneal imaging is usually the key. Corneal topography or tomography maps the shape of your cornea and can detect keratoconus earlier than a standard vision test alone.

It can. Some people progress slowly, and others progress faster, especially in the teen and young adult years. Regular monitoring helps catch progression early so treatment can be timed correctly.

Yes. Many people see well with glasses early on, then may do better with specialty contact lenses as the cornea becomes more irregular. Treatment depends on how advanced it is and whether it is progressing.

Many patients do best with specialty lenses, such as rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, or scleral lenses. These lenses are designed to improve vision quality when standard soft contacts are not enough.

Corneal cross-linking is a procedure that strengthens the cornea to help slow or halt the progression of keratoconus. It is commonly recommended when testing shows progression.

The main goal is to stabilize the cornea and reduce future worsening. Some people notice mild vision improvement, but many still need glasses or specialty contacts afterward.

A transplant is usually considered when scarring, severe thinning, or advanced distortion prevents functional vision even with specialty contacts. Many patients never need a transplant, especially when keratoconus is treated early.

It can. When vision is distorted or constantly changing, your eyes may work harder to focus, which can lead to eye strain and headaches, especially with screens or driving.

Eye rubbing does not “cause” keratoconus in every case, but it is strongly associated with worsening and progression. If you have allergies or itchy eyes, treating the irritation can help reduce rubbing.

Typically no. LASIK can weaken the cornea and is not recommended for keratoconus or suspected keratoconus. West Texas Eye Associates can review safer alternatives based on your cornea and prescription.

It depends on age and stability. People who are younger or showing progression may need more frequent follow-ups, while stable cases may be monitored on a routine schedule recommended by your doctor.

Schedule a Keratoconus Evaluation

If you have symptoms of keratoconus or frequent prescription changes, West Texas Eye Associates can help you understand what’s happening and what to do next. Schedule online to book a consultation and explore options that protect your vision now and in the future.

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