Keratoconus Exams in Amarillo Tx

Keratoconus Exams at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas: Caring for Your Vision

At Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas, we understand that keeping your eyes healthy means staying on top of conditions like keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that can impact your vision over time. Our team offers keratoconus exams for everyone, helping you get the care you need to manage this condition and preserve your eyesight.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the normally round, dome-shaped cornea begins to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This change in shape can cause blurry, distorted vision and make everyday tasks more difficult.

What Causes Keratoconus?

Keratoconus often begins in adolescence or young adulthood, but its exact cause remains unknown. Some factors that might contribute include:

• Genetics: A family history of keratoconus can increase your risk.
• Frequent Eye Rubbing: This habit, especially if aggressive, may worsen the condition.
• Underlying Health Conditions: People with certain connective tissue disorders may be more prone to keratoconus.

Why Regular Keratoconus Exams Are Important

Since keratoconus can progress over time, routine eye exams are critical for early detection and management. Regular exams allow eye care specialists at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas to keep an eye on changes in your cornea and adjust treatments as needed.

Who Should Get Tested for Keratoconus?

If you have a family history of keratoconus or are experiencing symptoms like blurry or distorted vision, regular exams are highly recommended. Early detection can make a big difference, especially if you’re a younger individual or experiencing changes in vision quality.

What to Expect During a Keratoconus Exam at Broome Optical

At Broome Optical, we make the exam process comfortable and informative, giving you a clear understanding of your eye health. Here’s a quick look at what to expect during a keratoconus exam:

1. Eye Health Assessment: We start with a review of your vision and eye health history.
2. Corneal Topography: This non-invasive scan maps the curvature of your cornea, allowing us to spot any irregularities.
3. Vision Testing: We’ll check for changes in visual acuity to measure the effects of any corneal changes.
4. Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of your cornea, a key indicator in diagnosing keratoconus.

Each part of this exam is painless, quick, and essential to getting a full picture of your eye health.

Understanding the Stages of Keratoconus

Keratoconus has different stages, each with its unique impact on vision and treatment approach. The sooner keratoconus is identified, the more options there are for managing it.

Early Stage

In the early stage, keratoconus is often mild, and vision may still be easily corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.

Moderate Stage

At this point, the corneal shape becomes more cone-like, and glasses may no longer fully correct vision. Specialized contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, can help improve sight.

Advanced Stage

In advanced keratoconus, corneal thinning and distortion may require surgical intervention, such as corneal cross-linking, to strengthen and stabilize the cornea.

Keratoconus Treatment Options

Keratoconus can’t be “cured,” but various treatments can help slow its progression and improve vision. Our team at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas offers a range of treatment options tailored to each stage of keratoconus.

Specialized Contact Lenses

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: RGP lenses maintain a fixed shape, which helps correct vision by replacing the irregular corneal shape.
• Scleral Lenses: These lenses sit on the sclera (white part of the eye), creating a smooth optical surface and allowing for clearer vision.

Corneal Cross-Linking

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to halt the progression of keratoconus. By using a combination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and ultraviolet light, this treatment helps to strengthen the corneal fibers, reducing further thinning and bulging.

Corneal Transplant

For advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary. While this is a more complex option, it can provide significant vision improvement for patients with severe keratoconus.

Why Choose Broome Optical for Your Keratoconus Care?

With over 90 years of experience, Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas is a trusted eye care provider in the Texas Panhandle. Our skilled team stays up-to-date on the latest treatment options, and we take the time to ensure you fully understand each aspect of your eye health. From the latest diagnostic tools to compassionate care, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keratoconus

1. Can keratoconus go away on its own?
Keratoconus doesn’t go away but can be managed effectively with regular exams and treatment.

2. How often should I have a keratoconus exam?
Once diagnosed, yearly exams are recommended to monitor any changes in your vision or eye health.

3. Can I still wear regular contact lenses?
Many people with keratoconus need specialized contact lenses to get the best vision correction.

4. Will keratoconus make me blind?
If left untreated, keratoconus can lead to significant vision loss. Early treatment helps protect your sight.

5. Is corneal cross-linking covered by insurance?
Coverage varies, but our team can help you understand your insurance options and make the best plan for your treatment.

Ready to Schedule Your Keratoconus Exam?

If you suspect keratoconus or are due for a routine eye exam, schedule an appointment at Broome Optical in Amarillo, Texas. Our team is here to provide the care and guidance you need to manage keratoconus and maintain your vision.