Astigmatism VS Keratoconus

Do you know the difference between astigmatism and keratoconus?

Though similar in some ways, they are two distinct corneal conditions: 

#astigmatism is when the cornea becomes slightly misshapen or curved, resulting in blurred vision. It RARELY progresses at a rapid rate. 

#keratoconus or KC, is when the cornea thins over time, forming a cone-like shape. This may cause extreme blurred vision, extreme levels of glare, and frequent prescription changes. Rapid disease progression is also possible.

Think you may have KC? Take the KC quiz at CouldItBeKC.com.
@livingwithkc2123

[tiatapia]

Just had corneal crosslinking done in my left eye a week ago. Totally back to normal, no pain . A little blurry but that’s expected

[TheRythimMan]

Astigmatism: a type of refractive error caused by a misshapen cornea or lens (usually cornea). Usually refers to "regular astigmatism." Almost everyone has a little astigmatism but significant levels can cause glares and halos and blurred vision.

Regular astigmatism: a very common type of astigmatism caused by a spherocylindrical shaped cornea. Can be treated with glasses. Usually not associated with a disease.

Irregular astigmatism: an uncommon type of astigmatism which is not spherocylindrical. Usually associated with a disease. Usually can't be corrected with glasses as glasses only have spherical and cylindrical power. But rigid contact lenses interact with the tears on the surface of the cornea to correct irregular astigmatism in ways glasses cannot.

Keratoconus: a rare, progressive corneal disease that causes an irregular astigmatism shaped like a cone (hence its name). Owing to its progressive nature it can worsen rapidly over time and may even require a corneal transplant in some instances.

[johnBoy]

I've got KC. The special contacts I have to wear are $$$$. Health insurance won't cover any of it. Plus I have to wear glasses on top of the contacts .

[EXE]

Got diagnosed couple months ago. Went back to check up today and ive been told that its much worse now. Im coping

[JH-ptih]

Thank you for actually differentiating between astigmatism and KC! People are being misinformed by other optometrists/ophthalmologists making it seem as though KC is like normal astigmatism - not to mention some of the other problems that come with KC. It's bad enough having the condition but dealing with people who think you "just" have astigmatism or are "just" near sighted and should be able to "just" run to your corner optometrist and get some glasses. Frustrating eye condition - the worst part is it is variable. Vision changing dramatically depending on light, inside vs outside, fatigue. Try explaining to your boss why you can't get a report done because you are having trouble reading at the moment and see how that goes over. I got Intacs about 13 years ago and just got fitted for my first scleral lenses a couple of weeks ago and should be getting my actual lenses soon - supposed to get them this week but went and got Covid so I have to wait to get them. The new procedures are going to be able to change the lives of young people with KC in a way that was impossible in the past - diagnosed at 18 in 1985, and yeah, I have the "KC personality" because it's been a battle my entire adult life. And Stephen Curry didn't help anyone who doesn't have a mild, one-eyed diagnosis and plenty of money to pay for the expensive lenses that your insurance will find a way to not cover. Thanks again for posting and sorry for the rant.

[RWJSJG]

i have both I believe it’s very difficult difficult to find a doctor that can fit you with specialized contact lenses

[StevenC]

Could you please do a review of the CorneaCare self heating warm compress? I want to purchase them but l'd like to see how these compare to other warm compresses.

[venomrogue]

I’ve had PKP in both eyes due to KC. Fun times…

[kevinlong]

I found out I had KC and just gave up and let my eye do what it’s gonna do… I barely use it any more - preferring to close that eye and use my working one instead

[thepfoneguy]

My eye doctor won't take me seriously or do more extensive testing because I can pass the letter chart easily. What can I do?

[Dustin_Platt]

I'd like to thank Optical Coherence Tomography machines.

[lfclife]

A video on fuchs coming up I'm in the future doc?

[archieandarlo]

Ok hear me out I was wondering you could make a video on this. I am not nearsighted nor far sighted though I am both near and far sighted (near in on eye far in the other) what’s funny is I used to believe I had perfect vision but I was clearly long

[Damula]

It ot normal my prescription went from -4, 25 to -6, 00 within a year? Had 2 periods with rapid vision loss (days).

But when I checked after the first period, they said my strength was still the same, even though i could clearly see sharper woth -5, 00 instead of -4, 25

[lealopez]

how do we correct astigmatism Dr Allen?

[artosbear]

I don't think your filter for astigmatism is really the right one. It doesn't represent light haloing/rays. That's really what astigmatism does and there are good filters out there to show it. It's characteristically different from just generally blurry vision

[Bishop]

Do you know anything about Choroidereamia ?

[AdenDebela]

I'm 24 years I can't see with out glass my left eye 7 right 8

[sarashaikh]

Doc, I need a help!
New contact lens user, unaware I rinsed my lens to wash it with tap water and used it. Now learned not to so. What to do now?

[Millieimpl]

I had a dream we were getting married wanna make it come true ❤