ceratocone

Ceratocone is the term used in several languages for keratoconus, a progressive disorder of the eye in which the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This thinning distorts vision and increases irregular astigmatism. The condition is typically bilateral but asymmetric and most often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It has a multifactorial etiology with genetic predisposition and environmental factors; eye rubbing and atopy are considered risk factors. Some syndromic associations exist, including Down syndrome and connective-tissue disorders.

Clinical features include gradually worsening blurred or distorted vision, glare and light sensitivity, and, in advanced cases, scarring. On examination one may observe signs such as Vogt’s striae, Fleischer’s ring (iron deposition in the cornea), and Munson’s sign. Diagnosis is confirmed by corneal imaging and topography showing irregular, cone-shaped corneas and progressive steepening.

Management aims to improve vision and slow progression. Early disease is corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses, while rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses provide better optical quality for irregular astigmatism. A key disease-modifying treatment is corneal cross-linking, which strengthens the corneal tissue to slow progression. Additional options include intracorneal ring segments to flatten the cone, and corneal transplantation for advanced disease with scarring or contact lens intolerance.

Prognosis varies; some individuals have stable vision for years, others experience progressive decline. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional is recommended to detect progression and adjust therapy. The term ceratocone is primarily used in non-English medical literature and in some languages to denote keratoconus.