Keratoconus vs. Astigmatism – What You Need to Know!

Are you wondering about the distinctions between Keratoconus and Astigmatism? You’ve arrived at the correct link! These two eye disorders are commonly confused with one another, but they are not the same. Understanding the differences between them is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

So, strap in and prepare to plunge into the realm of eye health because you are going to discover the differences between these two in detail in terms of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Let’s get started with Keratoconus vs Astigmatism!

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and becomes cone-shaped, causing visual issues. It generally begins in the teens and ends in the thirties. Genetics, eye allergies, and certain connective tissue problems can influence the development of Keratoconus.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a prevalent eyesight impairment caused by an irregular shape of your eye’s cornea or lens. It’s not precisely spherical like a marble but more like a football. Because the light entering your eye does not concentrate correctly on the retina, your vision may become fuzzy or distorted.
There are many forms of Astigmatism according to how they influence your ability to focus. For instance, hyperopic Astigmatism indicates that one of your eyes is farsighted.

Symptoms

What are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Double vision in one eye
• Seeing halos or streaks around lights
• Eye strain or headaches
• Sudden worsening of vision (in advanced cases)

What are the Symptoms of Astigmatism?

• Blurry or distorted vision at any distance
• Eye strain, headaches, or discomfort
• Squinting to try to see more clearly
• Poor night vision, including glare or halos around lights
• Double vision in one eye (in some cases)
• Frequent changes in prescription for glasses or contacts

Astigmatism vs Keratoconus: Comparison Between Symptoms

Causes

What Causes Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is caused by a thinning cornea that can become distorted and develop into a cone shape. The thinning is caused by a loss of collagen, a protein that helps preserve the structure of the eye.

What Causes Astigmatism?

A defect in the eye’s cornea or lens leads to Astigmatism. This condition can be present at birth or develop later as a result of causes such as genetics, eye accidents, or particular eye disorders such as Keratoconus. While the causes of Keratoconus and Astigmatism differ, both can cause visual difficulties.

Diagnosis

How is Keratoconus Diagnosed?

Keratoconus is diagnosed through specialized eye exams that measure the shape and thickness of your cornea. Key tests include:

• Corneal Topography: Creates a 3D map of your cornea to detect thinning and irregular steepening. This is the main diagnostic tool.
• Corneal Tomography (Pentacam): Provides detailed images of both the front and back corneal surfaces to identify even early keratoconus.
• Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness to check for thinning.
• Slit-Lamp Exam: Allows the doctor to look for signs like corneal thinning, cone shape, or stress lines.
• Vision Test & Keratometry: Detect changes in astigmatism or curvature that may indicate the condition

How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

Astigmatism is diagnosed through a series of eye tests that measure how your cornea and lens focus light.

• Comprehensive Eye Exam: The doctor checks your vision clarity and looks for signs of blurred or distorted sight.
• Visual Acuity Test: You read letters on a chart to measure how well you see at different distances.
• Keratometry: Measures the curvature of your cornea to detect irregular shaping.
• Corneal Topography: Creates a detailed map of the cornea to identify even subtle astigmatism.
• Refraction Test: Determines the exact lens prescription needed to correct your vision.

Treatment

What are Keratoconus Treatment Options?

Here are the possible Keratoconus treatment options you may opt for:-

• Specialized Contact Lenses: Different types of contact lenses, like rigid gas permeable lenses, scleral lenses, and soft contact lenses, can be prescribed for different levels of Keratoconus.
• Corneal Transplant: An eye doctor may recommend a corneal transplant in more severe cases where the corneal tissue has become very thin or scarred.
• Corneal Collagen Cross-linking: This Keratoconus treatment uses a combination of ultraviolet light, and vitamin B drops to strengthen the corneal fibers.

What are Astigmatism Treatment Options?

Correcting Astigmatism is possible through the following treatments:-

• Laser Surgeries and Other Procedures: Refractive surgery methods such as LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures reshape the cornea. They help light to focus more precisely on the retina.
• Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: These are the go-to solutions to deal with Astigmatism. Glasses and lenses help fix the way light focuses on the retina and deal with blurriness.

So, Astigmatism and Keratoconus can both cause hazy vision. But they are not the same, with distinct causes and treatments. The good news is that both of these may be detected at a routine eye exam.

Depending on the stage, treatment for Keratoconus might range from using corrective glasses to undergoing a corneal transplant. So either way, you don’t need to worry! Just make sure you visit an eye doctor as soon as you suspect any issue with your eye health.

If you also want information on Astigmatism and Myopia, you can check out this blog –

Astigmatism vs. Myopia – What’s the Difference?

How Can InSight Vision Center Help?

If you live in Fresno and need quality eye treatment, go no further than the InSight Vision Center. Our staff is dedicated to offering modern therapies such as corneal cross-linking and LASIK surgery, particularly for Keratoconus and Astigmatism.

We’ve got you covered with thorough eye exams to ensure you’re getting the finest vision care possible.

Trust the professionals at InSight Vision Center to guide you to an improved vision!
Schedule Your Appointment

FAQs – KERATOCONUS VS. ASTIGMATISM

Is Astigmatism and Keratoconus same?

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and bulges, resulting in Astigmatism. While everyone with Keratoconus has Astigmatism, not everyone with Astigmatism has Keratoconus.

Can glasses stop Keratoconus?

If you have hazy or distorted vision as a result of early Keratoconus, glasses or soft contact lenses may assist. However, because your corneas change shape, you may need to alter your prescription on a regular basis. Hard contact lenses are frequently the next step in therapy in more severe situations.

Does keratoconus cause astigmatism?

Yes, keratoconus can cause astigmatism. As the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, it becomes irregular, leading to irregular astigmatism that blurs and distorts vision. This type of astigmatism usually worsens as keratoconus progresses.

Can keratoconus be misdiagnosed?

Yes, keratoconus can be misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages, because its symptoms often resemble regular astigmatism or other refractive errors. Without advanced imaging like corneal topography or tomography, subtle changes in the cornea may be missed. Early detection is key to preventing progression.

Is keratoconus a rare disease?

Keratoconus is not considered a rare disease. It affects roughly 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 people, though rates can be higher in certain regions and age groups. Early diagnosis is important because the condition often begins in the teenage years and can progress over time.

Can LASIK fix keratoconus?

No. LASIK cannot fix keratoconus because the procedure removes corneal tissue, which can further weaken an already thin or irregular cornea. Instead, treatments like corneal cross-linking, specialty contact lenses, or corneal transplants are recommended to manage the condition and prevent progression.