What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a rare condition where the cornea (the clear window of the eye), which causes the cornea to thin and develop a cone-shaped protrusion.

 

Left: Normal cornea
Right: Cornea with keratoconus

 

Keratoconus literally means "cone-shaped cornea".

The cornea is a very important part of the eye. Light enters the eye through the cornea, and refracts and focuses the light rays so that we can see clearly. When a keratoconus, corneal shape alters and distorts vision. Keratoconus can do difficult activities such as car driving, typing on a computer, watching television or reading.