What Causes It and How to Treat It

Progressive eye disorder, also known as keratoconus, is a condition that affects both eyes and could lead to significant vision loss if left untreated. Some may find vision problems to be more advanced in one eye than the other when suffering from keratoconus. It is important to contact an eye doctor in your area if you feel you may be developing keratoconus. At Eyes Over Copley in Boston, we have years of experience in recognizing and addressing progressive eye disorders such as keratoconus.

What Is Progressive Eye Disorder?

Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to become thin near the center. Stretching is inevitable given the progressive deterioration of the cornea. The cornea enables sight by directing light towards the eye’s natural lens. A damaged cornea could rapidly lead to blindness as the eye’s lens loses its ability to focus light onto the retina.

Progressive eye disorder stretches the cornea so that any light coming into contact with the lens is distorted. The result is blurred vision that will worsen over time if left unaddressed. As you age, your chances of developing this condition increase. Patients over 65 are especially likely to develop progressive eye disorder.

Effects of Keratoconus

Keratoconus can significantly impact your ability to carry out daily activities. Some individuals diagnosed with the disorder by an optometrist find themselves having trouble driving. Those diagnosed with advanced stages of keratoconus need proper treatment to reduce further damage to the cornea. While glasses with strong prescriptions will sometimes be enough to combat the effects of progressive eye disorder, severe cases will require more specialized treatment.

Progressive Eye Disorder Treatment

Spectacles are ideal for treating keratoconus during the beginning stage of the disorder. Contact lenses also serve as a form of treatment for progressive eye disorder. There are instances in which eyeglasses and contact lenses are not enough to address the problems caused by progressive eye disorder. Those interested in more aggressive treatment may be interested in an operation known as a corneal transplant. Our eye doctor will evaluate your condition to determine the treatment options that will be most effective for you.

Contact Our Optometrist for Progressive Eye Disorder Treatment 

If you are looking for progressive eye disorder treatment in the Metro Boston area, contact Eyes Over Copley today. We serve all of greater Boston, including Brookline, Cambridge, and Newton. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our optometrist, call us at (617) 859-0630.