What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus (pronounced KEHR-uh-toh-KOH-nus) is an uncommon condition in which the normally round, dome-like cornea (the clear front window of the eye) becomes thin and develops a cone-like bulge. Keratoconus literally means “cone-shaped cornea.”

The cornea is a very important part of your eye. Light enters the eye through the cornea, which refracts, or focuses, the light rays so that you can see clearly. With keratoconus, the shape of the cornea is altered, distorting your vision. Keratoconus can make some activities difficult, such as driving, typing on a computer, watching television or reading.

Keratoconus is an eye disease that causes progressive thinning of the central cornea (the clear "window" of the eye). This gives the cornea a cone-shaped appearance and leads to blurred vision.

Keratoconus is a hereditary condition that first appears in the late teen years.

If you have keratoconus, contact lenses can provide good vision and allow you to avoid corrective surgery for many years.