Keratoconus Progression Metrics

Introduction

Keratoconus progression metrics are indispensable tools that are used by eye experts to evaluate any changes occurring in the cornea. Keratoconus is a gradual eye disease where the round cornea becomes thin and protrudes like a cone. With time, keratoconus causes vision problems, irregular astigmatism, and sensitivity to light. Luckily for people, thanks to new diagnostic methods, ophthalmologists can detect the slightest change in the cornea before the eyesight gets bad. Knowing keratoconus progression metrics helps patients understand how important it is to have regular eye checks and proper treatment.

What Are Keratoconus Progression Metrics?

Keratoconus progression metrics are use the doctors to determine if there is any progression in keratoconus. The thing is that the process develops quite slowly, so comparison of these metrics during several months will help specialists identify changes in the cornea. In addition, early detection of keratoconus progression is critical since it increases the chances of effective treatment before irreversible damage happens to the cornea. Cross-linking, for example, has better chances to be helpful when applied early on.

Corneal Topography and Tomography

Corneal topography is one of the most helpful indicators for progression of keratoconus. It is an imaging test which gives a map of the cornea and helps find areas where there is an anomaly in curvature of the cornea. Even the slightest change in corneal curvature may signal progression of keratoconus.

Corneal tomography gives a lot of information because it assesses both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea. Moreover, it evaluates corneal thickness in different areas. Therefore, specialists can diagnose progression at its early stages. Thanks to the comprehensive evaluation of the cornea, it became an integral part of current management of keratoconus.

Measurements of Keratoconus Progression Metrics

Keratometry is another factor that has to be considered when assessing progression of keratoconus. It is an indicator which shows the curvature of the cornea and is given as K-value. With the development of keratoconus the cornea becomes steeper and the value of keratometry rises.

Doctors analyze changes in these indicators over time. If the maximum value of keratometry increases it may mean that the condition worsens. However, keratometry alone cannot give the information about progression but it is useful in combination with other factors.

Measurement of Corneal Thickness

Measuring the thickness of cornea is an equally important part of disease progression measurement. As the disease progresses, the cornea becomes thinner, mainly at its weakest area. Thinning increases the likelihood of developing problems in vision and in some cases leads to corneal scaring.

Special medical instruments allow measuring the most fragile area of cornea and observing the changes on follow-up appointments. If there is a significant change in corneal thickness, the doctor can recommend some treatment options to prevent further disease progression.

Changes in Vision and Refraction of Keratoconus Progression Metrics

The changing vision of a patient can give important information regarding the disease development. Patients with keratoconus usually suffer from increased nearsightedness and astigmatism that makes glasses ineffective. Doctors perform visual acuity measurements and refraction test during routine eye checkups to find out if there are any changes in vision.

Alone the changes in the glasses prescription cannot be regarded as a sign of progression but still serve as additional information to the overall picture.

Importance of Regular Monitoring

Regular monitoring involving keratoconus progression measures helps eye specialists identify the development of this condition at an early stage when no significant visual impairment develops yet. The earlier detection of disease progression will help to treat the problem in a timely manner with the use of corneal collagen cross-linking to strengthen the cornea and avoid further development of the problem. At the same time, the delay in treatment might lead to the condition when there is a necessity to use specialty contact lenses or corneal transplantation in some cases.

It is necessary for patients to attend all follow-up visits since keratoconus progresses faster among younger people.

Conclusion

Keratoconus progression measures play an important role in the diagnostics and monitoring of this progressive corneal disorder. Such measures as corneal topography, tomography, keratometry, the assessment of corneal thickness and vision tests help to get the information about the stability or development of this condition. Based on this information, eye specialists can make recommendations about treatment at different stages of disease development. If you suffer from keratoconus, regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining your vision health.