Life with Keratoconus: Adjustments for Better Eye Health

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea thins and then starts to bulge out into a cone shape, which affects vision. The condition is serious, but many people manage it successfully, especially in its initial phases. Lifestyle modifications and paying attention to keratoconus self-care can help in slowing down the progression and making life comfortable. Importantly, many patients reported that the keratoconus treatment without surgery can be managed and can achieve good eye health and stability. In this guide, we’ll understand how to live with keratoconus, the best food for keratoconus, and when surgery becomes necessary.

What Do You Need to Know About Keratoconus?

Keratoconus generally develops in the late teenage years or early twenties and may last for several years. Keratoconus develops due to weakening of collagen fibres in the cornea, often triggered by genetics, frequent eye rubbing, or certain medical conditions. The common symptoms include blurry vision, hypersensitivity to light, and keratoconus eye pain (ocular pain), particularly experienced after spending hours on digital devices or exposure to bright lights.

Can You Live a Normal Life with Keratoconus?

Yes, many patients with keratoconus live fully functioning lives. Although it may impact your daily vision while performing simple tasks such as driving late at night and reading fine fonts, it doesn’t mean life has stopped. With the right visual aids and clinical support, patients can usually resume work, school, and hobbies with minimal restrictions.

It is all about adjusting expectations. While perfect vision may not always be possible, it can stabilise and function well with keratoconus glasses or scleral lenses. It is natural to feel upset or frustrated at the beginning. Connecting with support groups or reading success stories can provide reassurance.

Diet & Nutrition: What Are The Best Foods for Keratoconus?

Well, there is no food which can cure the condition, but particular nutrients can support the collagen strength and reduce oxidative stress, which are key factors to stabilise corneal disease.

Here’s a list of the best food for keratoconus:

• Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are antioxidant-rich, which preserves eye tissues from damage.
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries) and citrus fruits with high vitamin C are important for collagen synthesis.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon fish, flax seeds, and walnuts, help to reduce inflammation and aid tear film production.
• Vitamin A plays an essential role in the overall health of the eyes and can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, liver, and eggs.

Hydration is another aspect which is frequently overlooked. Drinking water maintains the moisture level in the eyes, averting irritations and keratoconus eye pain. It is recommended to drink up to 8-10 glasses of water each day.

Foods to avoid: Highly processed foods, sugary foods, and excessive caffeine can worsen inflammation or dryness. Avoiding these foods is an important aspect of keratoconus self-care.

Vision Correction Options and Management of Keratoconus

At an early stage, keratoconus glasses are a non-surgical way of correcting vision. Though, as the condition starts worsening and the cornea shape becomes irregular, glasses can no longer provide clarity.

In such a case, rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses can give a better visual correction by creating a smooth refractive surface that lies over the irregular cornea.

Cornea cross-linking (CXL), a surgical procedure, is performed to strengthen corneal strands to halt progression. Moreover, lubricating keratoconus eye drops may be recommended, as they are helpful with dryness or pain.

To avoid any further damage, protective eyewear and UV-blocking sunglasses are highly advisable, particularly in high-sun environments like India.

What Are The Recommended Daily Self-Care And Lifestyle Tips?

Keratoconus patients can tremendously enhance their lives by adopting simple, mindful habits. If you are unsure about “What are lifestyle tips for managing keratoconus?”  The following are key keratoconus self-care tips:

• UV Protection: Always use sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB light protection.
• Avoid eye rubbing: This is one of the most critical preventative steps.
• Use proper lighting: Avoid straining your eyes in dim conditions.
• Blue light filters on screens reduce digital strain.
• Sleep hygiene: Good sleep support in ocular restoration and hydration.
• Stress management: Approaches such as meditation can help eliminate certain habits like eye rubbing.
• Exercise: Improve blood circulation and general wellbeing.
• At the workplace, have ergonomic workstations and optimal screens for minimum discomfort.
• While travelling, carry lubricated keratoconus eye drops, spare lenses, and UV protection.

When Surgery is Needed: Understanding Cornea Repair

At advanced stages, when vision correction is no longer possible without invasive intervention, a cornea transplant might become necessary. This involves replacing the damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue.

The modern less-invasive surgery has improved results and reduced recovery periods. Before taking any decision, it is important to consult a qualified cornea specialist in Mumbai to determine suitability and plan an appropriate course of action.

Conclusion

Living with keratoconus is manageable with the right care and guidance. Early detection, a healthy lifestyle, and non-surgical treatment can make all the difference. In case you or your loved ones are facing symptoms or seeking advanced care, consider an experienced eye specialist in Mumbai. In Arohi Eye Hospital, we provide personalised treatment of keratoconus that fits your requirements. Don’t wait till it becomes severe; contact us as soon as possible to proper examination and top-notch assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I live a normal life with keratoconus?

Yes, the majority of people with keratoconus live normal and active lives when managed and treated properly. The key is early diagnosis, appropriate vision correction, and following the recommendations given above in the guide.

2. What foods help keratoconus?

Antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits may support eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids like fish and nuts are the best food for keratoconus and can help minimise inflammation. However, a better diet can complement but not replace the medical treatment.

3. Can cornea damage be repaired?

Yes, there are several surgical procedures that can repair or replace the damaged corneal tissues. Modern practices have high success potential when performed by experts.

4. At what age does keratoconus stop?

Keratoconus normally stabilises by the age of 40, although it varies by individual. Progression is fastest, typically in the teenage and early twenties.

5. What are lifestyle tips for managing keratoconus?

The key tips include avoiding eye rubbing, preferring UV protection, using proper lighting, managing stress, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and regular eye care schedules.