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OPTHA TALK UNDERSTANDING KERATOCONUS: ACOMPREHENSIVE GUIDE fitted contact lenses, and certain conditions like atopic diseases (eczema, hay fever, asthma) may increase the likelihood of keratoconus. • Family history: If someone in your family has this condition, you have a greater chance of getting it yourself. If you have it, get your children’s eyes checked for signs starting around age 10. • Age: It usually starts when you’re a teenager. But it might show up earlier in childhood or not until you’re 30. It can also affect people 40 and older, but that’s less common. • Certain disorders: Studies have found a connection between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and retinitis pigmentosa. • Inflammation: Inflammation from things like allergies, K eratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that affects the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. This condition, though relatively rare, can have a significant impact on a person's vision and quality of life. In this article, we will explore what keratoconus is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how individuals with this condition can manage and cope with the challenges it presents. WHAT IS KERATOCONUS? Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye disorder that results in the thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape. Normally, the cornea has a dome shape, helping to focus light into the eye and onto the retina. However, in individuals with keratoconus, the weakened cornea cannot maintain its shape, leading to distorted vision. CAUSES OF KERATOCONUS The exact cause of keratoconus is not well understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute to its development. Research suggests that individuals with a family history of keratoconus are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Additionally, constant eye-rubbing, poorly A discussion on keratoconus with early diagnosis, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments for clarity 38 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION