Rise in keratoconus cases detected among school children

The National Eye Hospital has warned of an increase in eye disorder keratoconus, which results in distorted vision. 

Addressing the media, Consultant Cornea Surgeon Dr. Kusum Ratnayaka cautioned that the eye disorder is being detected in school children as young as eight years old.

Dr. Ratnayaka further said that reports indicate that most patients fall between the ages of 10 and 40, with the disorder typically starting during the teenage or early adult years.

Warning that those with a family history of the condition, frequent eye rubbing, allergic eye diseases such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis, or conditions like Down syndrome and connective tissue disorders are at higher risk, he said treatment options depend on the stage and severity of the disease.

Urging early screening and public awareness, Dr. Ratnayaka warned that untreated Keratoconus can lead to serious vision impairment. 

He also revealed that treatment options such as spectacles and special contact lenses in early stages, corneal collagen cross-linking to halt progression, and corneal transplants are available, but depend on the severity of the disease. 

Consultant Cornea Surgeon Dr. Kusum Ratnayaka made the remarks while addressing the media on World Keratoconus Day, marked yesterday (10). 

Keratoconus is an eye disorder in which the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone shape, causing blurry, distorted vision. (Newswire)

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