iSight Eye Care

What Is Keratoconus? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Dr. Nikhil Nasta
Dr. Nikhil Nasta
3 min read
Keratoconus is a thinning of the cornea into a cone, causing blur that glasses cannot fully fix. Learn symptoms, why LASIK is unsafe, and treatment options.
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea — the clear front window of the eye — thins and bulges into a cone. Light no longer focuses cleanly, so vision is distorted even in a new pair of glasses. It usually starts in the teens or twenties, is linked with eye rubbing and allergy, and is a hard stop for LASIK. Treatment aims to freeze progression (collagen crosslinking), then improve vision with specialised contacts, rings, or, in advanced cases, a corneal transplant.

Symptoms That Should Trigger a Corneal Scan

  • Blur or ghosting that a recent glasses change did not fix
  • Frequent prescription changes, especially rising cylinder (astigmatism)
  • Halos, glare and poor night driving in a young adult
  • Itchy, allergic eyes and a habit of rubbing
  • One eye clearly worse than the other
  • Family history of keratoconus

How Keratoconus Is Diagnosed

A routine spectacle test can miss early disease. The test that matters is corneal tomography (Pentacam or similar): it maps front and back corneal shape and thickness. A scissors reflex on retinoscopy is a clinical clue. If you were told “your glasses power keeps changing” in Mumbai, ask whether a topography was ever done — not only a new minus number.

Treatment Ladder (What Each Step Is For)

TreatmentGoalTypical patient
Stop eye rubbing + treat allergyRemove a driver of progressionAlmost everyone with KC and itch
Glasses or soft lensesHelp mild, regular astigmatismVery early disease only
Rigid / scleral contact lensesMask irregular cornea for clearer visionMost moderate cases
Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL)Stiffen the cornea to halt worseningDocumented progression, especially under 30
Intracorneal rings / other proceduresFlatten the cone in selected eyesSurgeon-selected anatomy
Corneal transplantReplace scarred or extremely steep corneaAdvanced disease that lenses cannot help

Why LASIK Is Dangerous Here

LASIK removes tissue from a cornea that is already thin and biomechanically weak. That can accelerate ectasia. If a clinic offers laser vision correction without a tomography map, walk away. ICL is sometimes discussed in stable, treated keratoconus — that is a specialist decision, not a shortcut around CXL.

Get Mapped Before the Cone Progresses

iSight Eye Care in Mumbai assesses suspicious corneas with proper imaging before any refractive plan. Dr. Nikhil Nasta will tell you if this is keratoconus, forme fruste disease, or a regular astigmatism — and whether crosslinking, contacts, or transplant counselling is the next honest step. Corneal transplant information: Corneal Transplant Surgery Mumbai Book a topography-based exam: Consult
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Dr. Nikhil Nasta

Dr. Nikhil Nasta

Dr. Nikhil Nasta is the Founder & Lead Surgeon at iSight Eye Care. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in advanced cataract surgery and comprehensive eye care, dedicated to restoring vision and improving patients' quality of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The cornea becomes thinner and cone-shaped instead of a smooth dome, so images look smeared. Glasses often cannot fully correct it.

Dr. Nikhil Nasta – Ophthalmologist, iSight Eye Care Mumbai
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Individual cases vary; consult a specialist for personalized advice.