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Keratoconus in children
Last reviewed: 06.11.2023
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Keratoconus develops in connection with the dystrophic dilatation of the cornea, leading to a thinning of its central and paracentral divisions. The disease usually occurs in the second decade of life. The etiology of keratoconus is unknown, although there are suggestions of the important role of trauma in the origin of the disease. The significance of the hereditary factor is not determined, although in some patients a family history can be clearly traced. Most cases are sporadic.
[Symptoms of the keratoconus
Symptoms of keratoconus
The clinical manifestations of keratoconus are initially associated with its effect on visual acuity. Thinning of the cornea leads to the development of abnormal astigmatism, which justifies the advisability of using contact lenses. As the disease progresses, there are gaps in the descemet membrane associated with hydration and leading to an acute hydration of the cornea. In this condition, blurred vision caused by corneal edema is accompanied by severe pain.
The process stops spontaneously, leaving behind a variety of cicatrical changes.
Keratoconus can accompany the following conditions:
- Aper's syndrome;
- atopy;
- brachidactyly;
- Cruson Syndrome;
- the syndrome of Ehlers-Danlos (Ehlers-Danlos);
- the syndrome of Lawrence-Moon-Biedl (Laurence-Moon-Biedl);
- Marfan syndrome;
- prolapse of the mitral valve;
- Noonan syndrome;
- imperfect osteogenesis;
- Raynaud's syndrome;
- syndactyly;
- pigmented eczema;
- congenital amaurosis Leber (Leber) (and other congenital rods-cone dystrophies).
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Treatment of the keratoconus
Treatment of keratoconus
Surgical treatment in the acute stage is not shown.
Treatment of the disease, as a rule, is conservative, including the wearing of contact lenses. In severe cases, through keratoplasty is indicated.