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Keratoconus is a common disease of the cornea, especially in teenagers and young adults. Detected early, it can be monitored and corrected effectively. In Fez, Morocco, Dr Oulehri Hassan’s practice is equipped to screen for it with corneal topography. Here are the warning signs, the causes and how screening works.
What is keratoconus?
The cornea — the transparent lens at the front of the eye — thins and gradually deforms into a cone shape. This deformation causes blurred vision and irregular astigmatism. Both eyes are often affected, sometimes unequally.
The symptoms that should alert you
- Vision that becomes distorted or blurred, especially for distance
- Frequent changes of glasses, with no lasting improvement
- Astigmatism that increases quickly in a teenager
- Sensitivity to light, halos or double images
The causes and risk factors
Keratoconus often begins in adolescence. Repeated eye rubbing and an allergic background (itchy eyes) are well-identified contributing factors. There is sometimes a family component. The first preventive reflex: avoid rubbing your eyes.
Screening: corneal topography
The diagnosis relies on the examination and above all on corneal topography (or tomography), which maps the cornea and detects keratoconus even at an early stage, before vision clearly deteriorates.
Why early screening changes everything
The earlier keratoconus is identified, the more possible it is to act to stabilize the cornea and preserve vision. In young people, regular follow-up makes it possible to detect progression and intervene at the right time.
What solutions in Fez, Morocco?
Depending on the stage, several solutions exist: glasses, fitted contact lenses (rigid, hybrid or scleral) often the best visual answer, and cross-linking (CXL) to stiffen the cornea in progressive forms. The details of the treatments are explained on our page Keratoconus treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does keratoconus cause blindness? No, in the great majority of cases vision is preserved thanks to suitable correction and regular follow-up.
Is it hereditary? There is sometimes a family component; screening close relatives can be useful.
Can you have LASIK? No, conventional laser surgery is contraindicated in keratoconus; other solutions exist.
Make an appointment
Astigmatism that is changing, or doubts? Screening with topography helps see clearly. Book an appointment on WhatsApp or by phone at 0615 557 141.