Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye condition affecting the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. Normally round, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and bulges forward into a cone shape. This irregular shape causes blurred and distorted vision. With early diagnosis and specialist treatment, progression can often be slowed or stabilised.
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Why It Matters
Understanding how common keratoconus is, who it affects, and how it can change over time helps patients recognise symptoms early and seek the right specialist care.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is an eye condition that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye that helps focus light onto the retina. With keratoconus, the cornea gradually becomes thinner and weaker, and instead of remaining smoothly rounded, it starts to bulge forward into a cone-like shape. This change disrupts how light enters the eye and can lead to blurred or distorted vision.
The word “keratoconus” comes from Greek, kerato meaning cornea, and konos meaning cone, describing exactly what happens to the corneal shape. At Centre for Sight, we see keratoconus as a progressive but manageable condition when diagnosed early and monitored appropriately.
Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, though one eye may be more affected than the other, and most people begin to notice vision changes during their teenage years to early adulthood
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What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?
Blurred or distorted vision
Vision may appear smeared, warped or out of focus because the cornea can no longer bend light evenly.
Frequent prescription changes
Glasses or contact lens prescriptions may need updating more often than expected.
Increased sensitivity to light
Bright lights, glare or sunlight can feel uncomfortable or dazzling.
Halos and glare at night
Lights may appear with rings or streaks around them, especially when driving after dark.
Double or ghosted vision in one eye
Objects may appear duplicated or shadowed, even when one eye is closed.
Unequal vision between eyes
One eye is often more affected than the other, which can cause imbalance or eye strain.
Difficulty seeing fine detail
Reading small print or recognising faces may become harder as clarity reduces.
Keratoconus symptoms often develop gradually and can be subtle at first. Many patients initially think they simply need stronger glasses, but because the condition affects the shape of the cornea rather than just focusing power, standard prescriptions may not fully correct vision. As keratoconus progresses, everyday activities such as reading, driving or using screens may become more challenging.
What causes Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a multifactorial condition, meaning it develops due to a combination of influences rather than a single cause. Factors known to be associated include:
- Genetic predisposition – keratoconus can run in families, suggesting an inherited tendency.
- Weaker corneal structure – the cornea may be naturally thinner or more elastic, allowing it to change shape over time.
- Young age at onset – it often begins in the teenage years or early adulthood and may progress faster when it starts early.
- Allergic conditions, hay fever, asthma and eczema are commonly linked.
- Eye rubbing, frequent or vigorous rubbing can worsen corneal thinning.
- Environmental or mechanical stress, including chronic irritation or poorly fitting contact lenses.
In most patients, keratoconus develops when genetic susceptibility combines with external factors, which is why early detection and monitoring are important.
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Diagnosis & Assessment
Early detection is essential for monitoring keratoconus progression and protecting long-term vision. Identifying changes in corneal shape at an early stage allows specialists to recommend treatment or monitoring before vision becomes significantly affected.
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How We Assess Your Vision
Your keratoconus assessment is carried out by a specialist ophthalmologist using advanced corneal imaging technology to analyse the shape, thickness and strength of your cornea. These detailed measurements help detect keratoconus, confirm its stage, and determine whether it is stable or progressing.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
What to Expect
Comprehensive vision assessment
Corneal thickness measurement
Review of risk factors and history
Personalised clinical advice
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Tests and Scans You May Have
We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to examine the structure of the cornea in detail. These scans allow us to detect even very early keratoconus and monitor subtle changes over time.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
What to Expect
Corneal topography imaging
Corneal tomography analysis
Pachymetry (thickness measurement)
Refraction and visual quality testing
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What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first visit includes a full eye health and corneal assessment. If needed, dilating drops may be used so your specialist can examine the eye more closely. After your tests, your consultant will explain the findings clearly and discuss whether monitoring or treatment is recommended.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
What to Expect
Detailed eye examination
Clear explanation of results
Treatment guidance if appropriate
Personalised follow-up schedule
What are the Treatments for Keratoconus?
Treatment for keratoconus depends on how advanced the condition is and whether it is progressing. Our aim is either to improve the quality of your vision or to stabilise the cornea to prevent further change, and in many cases, both.
Specialist Contact Lenses
In the early to moderate stages, specially designed contact lenses can significantly improve vision. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, helping light focus more clearly.
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and slow or stop progression. It works by using riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops and ultraviolet light to increase collagen stability within the corneal tissue. Cross-linking is most effective when keratoconus is detected early in younger patients.
Surgical Options for Advanced Cases
In more advanced keratoconus, when contact lenses no longer provide adequate vision, surgical options may be considered. These can include intracorneal ring segments to help reshape the cornea, or in severe cases, corneal transplant surgery.
Why Choose Centre for Sight
Centre for Sight is one of the UK’s most established and pioneering eye care providers, with over 30 years of experience and multiple national firsts. We were the first clinic in the UK to perform LASIK, and among the earliest to introduce femtosecond laser technology for both laser eye surgery and cataract procedures. Our consultants have collectively performed over 35,000 cataract surgeries, delivering exceptional outcomes backed by audited results and world-class surgical expertise. Patients benefit from fully consultant-led care, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalised treatment planning all supported by our reputation as a trusted centre where ophthalmologists from around the world come to observe and train. At Centre for Sight, innovation, safety, and excellence are built into every step of your journey.
Patient Success Stories
Such great care and service here. I had a household accident last week and came to get my eye looked at, which they went out of their way to accomodate on the same morning of ringing. The team is amazing, the admin, nurses, and consultant were really kind and caring. The follow up care has also been great with calls after a week to check how I’m getting on. Everyone has been so warm and friendly, a huge heartfelt thank you!
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sana ali
The best decision ever! My eye treatment at Centre for Sight has changed my life and enhanced my confidence. Having trifocal lenses implanted by Mr Sheraz Daya has restored my eyesight and I no longer need to use any lenses for reading, driving or any other activities.
From my first encounter with Mr Daya and his team at Centre for Sight, I felt most reassured that I was getting a very professional opinion and treatment. The day of the procedure was made much easier by the comforting support provided to me by Dr Espinosa whilst Mr Daya was performing my eye surgery. Overall, a fantastic experience and a great result.
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Manuel Oyarzabal
Really proffesional
The professionalism I experienced right the way through the process was just brilliant. With all the testing prior to surgery, I felt very sure that I was doing the right thing. Saj Khan was not only very proffesional, he was also quite funny, which put you at ease.
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Nigel Guthrie
A heartfelt thank you also to his team: Adora and Teresa, who have supported me from my very first appointment and always make me feel welcome, and Katie, Debra and Alex at Grinstead, who cared for me during surgery and helped me through one of the most anxious times of my life.
I cannot recommend Dr Daya and his team enough. For anyone who is unsure or afraid of taking this step — please know this really can change your life.
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Rikesh Patel
Excellent Result
Initial tests were very thorough and the recommendations clearly set out. The operation itself was quick and painless. All the staff were friendly and professional. The aftercare was faultless.
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Derek
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Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
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Hazelden Place, Turners Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4RH
Arguably the most modern private eye hospital in the UK, our hospital in Sussex offers Laser Vision Correction, Corneal Transplants, Stem Cell Surgery and more.
Surrey Centre
48 High Street, Oxshott, Surrey, KT22 0JR
Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
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FAQ's
Please see below for some of the most common questions and answers relating to Keratoconus.
Will I go blind from keratoconus?
Keratoconus does not cause complete blindness. However, if left untreated, vision can become significantly impaired. With modern monitoring and treatment options, most patients are able to maintain functional vision long term.
Does keratoconus always affect both eyes?
Yes, keratoconus affects both eyes, but it is usually asymmetric. One eye is often more affected than the other, and progression may occur at different rates in each eye.
Can keratoconus stabilise on its own?
In many patients, keratoconus progresses for several years and then naturally stabilises in adulthood. However, it is not possible to predict when or if this will happen, which is why regular specialist monitoring is important.
Is keratoconus linked to screen use?
There is no evidence that screen use directly causes keratoconus. However, prolonged screen time may worsen eye strain or dryness, which can increase the urge to rub the eyes, a known risk factor for progression.
Can I have laser eye surgery if I have keratoconus?
Standard laser eye surgery (such as LASIK) is not suitable for patients with keratoconus because it can further weaken the cornea. A specialist assessment is essential to determine safe alternatives where appropriate.
Does pregnancy affect keratoconus?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may influence corneal biomechanics in some patients. Although uncommon, progression has been reported, so additional monitoring may be advised during this time.
How often should keratoconus be monitored?
Monitoring frequency depends on age and stage of the condition. Younger patients or those with early progression may require more frequent reviews, while stable cases may be seen annually.
Have Questions?
Our patient care team is here to answer any questions you may have.