The keratoconus eye disease is a non-inflammatory disease of the eye's cornea in which it thins and increasingly bulges outwards until it assumes a conical shape. The bulging frequently occurs in the lower part of the eye. Approx. one in 2000 people is affected, usually time-delayed in both eyes. In most cases, keratoconus occurs in the second to third decade of a person's life and comes to a standstill between the fourth or fifth decade. However, in some patients, the progressive type of keratoconus not only makes wearing special contact lenses impossible but also necessitates a corneal transplant. In its initial stage, this rare eye disease is frequently confused with astigmatism and is treated incorrectly. Only experienced doctors are able to diagnose keratoconus with certainty by examining the corneal surface and back (endothelium), measuring its thickness and possibly determining the number of cells in the endothelium.
What are the causes of the corneal disease keratoconus?
It is suspected that a keratoconus is a malfunction between the collagen molecules of the connective tissue support structure of the cornea, causing reduced linking of the collagen and thus reduced biomechanical stability of the cornea. The causes are complex and have not been definitely established. The possibility of a genetic predisposition is supported by the fact that it often occurs frequently in families. Immunological factors may also play a role. However, so far, the only thing certain is that violent and frequent rubbing of the eye over the years, for example in people with allergies, is a high risk factor for development of a keratoconus. Thyroid dysfunction may also be a cause.
Studies have proven: UV Riboflavin crosslinking seems to be able to stop the increasing bulging of the cornea.
This is why we are recommending an examination of their thyroid gland to our keratoconus patients so that they can receive therapy with thyroid hormones if required. The thyroid hormone thyroxin seems to have significant influence on the cornea's biomechanics: It enhances the increase and stiffness of corneal tissue and affects the composition and characteristics of the collagen protein linking.
Due to progression of the keratoconus, the cornea increasingly bulges outwards and forwards. A distinction is made between the "silent" form of keratoconus, referred to as "forme fruste", and the so-called progressive keratoconus.