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Keratoconus

Also called: Keratoconus

The cornea thins and bulges into a cone, blurring vision. Cross-linking stops it from worsening.

TreatmentGlasses, special lenses, cross-linking

Overview

Keratoconus usually starts in the teens or 20s and can get worse for years.

Cross-linking strengthens the cornea and stops it from bulging more.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Blurry, changing vision

Less common

  • Glare

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySudden vision change.
See a doctor soonVision changes.

Causes

Genes, eye rubbing.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Teens

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Eye exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Don't rub eyes
  • Don't rub your eyes

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Treat eye allergies

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • People with allergies who rub eyes: Higher risk.
  • Teens and young adults: Often starts then.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most people keep good vision with treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • Am I a candidate for cross-linking?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Keratoconus

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.