Best Eyecare Associates Educates Patients on Keratoconus Symptoms and Treatment

THORNTON, Colo., Nov. 13, 2016 -- Keratoconus is an eye condition that can result in serious vision issues. Distorted vision and intense glares may be a consequence of the condition and surgery may be necessary. Keratoconus involves the formation of irregular cone shaped corneas, but can be addressed from a Thornton optometrist, reports Best Eyecare Associates. Early diagnosis of keratoconus, along with specially fitted eyewear, supports eye health and improves vision. Later stages of keratoconus may require surgery for vision correction.

It is imperative to receive regular eye exams from an eye doctor in Thornton who has the technology and expertise in providing comprehensive testing. According to The National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF), keratoconus (KC) appears in approximately 1 out of every 2,000 people. It is generally diagnosed in teenagers, although symptoms can be experienced at any age. In early stages, KC symptoms include increased light sensitivity, blurring and vision distortion. Eyeglasses and soft contact lenses can correct vision issues; however specially-fitted contact lenses may be needed in later stages.

Teenagers and adults should be aware of the causes and risk factors of KC. It is believed by some researchers that genetics has a hand to play as it appears that approximately 10 percent of those diagnosed with KC have a family member who has also been diagnosed with it. KC is associated with certain eye and system diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Down syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Eye injuries, use of hard contact lenses for years and excessive eye rubbing may also be factors. KC treatment varies on severity and custom eyewear, implantable corneal devices and corneal transplants are all treatment options.

“Keratoconus is a serious eye disease but treatment is available,” said Dr. Christine Best. “As an experienced optometrist, I use the latest technology to map the cornea and identify eye diseases, including keratoconus, with patients. After a diagnosis, treatment is selected depending on the stage of the condition. Early stages often only require soft or specially fitted contact lenses. When KC is diagnosed at later stages, a patient may have already experienced significant vision loss and a corneal transplant may be the only option. Early diagnosis and treatment helps keep eyes healthy and reduces associated vision problems.”

Dr. Christine Best at Best Eyecare Associates serves residents of Thornton, Brighton, Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Erie, Commerce City and Frederick. Their staff offers the highest standards in family eye care. Patients can receive routine eye exams, eye disease management and emergency care. Services at Best Eyecare Associates include comprehensive eye exams, LASIK consultations, keratoconus treatment, eye disease and emergency care, eyewear and eye surgery co-management.

Call (303) 254-4888 to speak with a knowledgeable associate about keratoconus symptoms or treatment or to schedule an appointment. Visit http://www.besteyeassociates.com/ for more details.

Best Eyecare Associates, (303) 254-4888