Keratoconus means cone-shaped cornea. The cornea is involved in focusing images on the retina, which helps us see clearly. Normally, the cornea is round like a basketball. In keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped like a football, which results in blurred and distorted vision. The curvature of the cornea becomes irregular, resulting in increasing myopia and astigmatism. Keratoconus is usually progressive and the cornea becomes more thin, steep, and irregular over time.
About 1 in 2000 people develop keratoconus. The cause is unknown. It is known to run in families. It affects men and women equally. Keratoconus typically affects both eyes. Most people have a mild or moderate form of the disease, which is treatable with glasses or contact lenses. Some people with keratoconus may develop a more severe form, which often requires surgical treatment. It is typically diagnosed in the late teens or twenties. However, many people are diagnosed in their mid to late thirties. It is common for one eye to proceed faster than the other and the eyes may go for long periods of time without any change and then change dramatically over a period of months. The progression of the disease typically slows down in the thirties.
Slit-lamp microscopy and corneal maps are used to make the diagnosis. Topographical maps provide useful information regarding the curvature, thickness, astigmatism, and steepness of the cornea necessary to evaluate the cornea and make the diagnosis. Our doctors at Denver Eye Surgeons have all the advanced diagnostic equipment that is necessary to make the diagnosis. We currently utilize the Atlas Humphrey topographer and the Pentacam topographer.
The treatment depends on the level of keratoconus. There is no cure for the disease. The good news is that treatment is available and the prognosis for vision is very good. For mild to moderate forms of keratoconus, vision might be correctable with glasses or specialty contact lenses. If the keratoconus worsens to a more severe form where even specialty contact lenses are not helpful, then a cornea transplant may become necessary.
Our doctors at Denver Eye Surgeons have the expertise, knowledge, and experience to help guide you through your best options for treatment. We have a fellowship-trained cornea specialist who can help you with the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus. Our optometrists and trained contact lens technicians can fit keratoconic eyes with the latest available contact lens designs.
Denver Eye Surgeons has been treating cornea related issues successfully for over 40 years!
Cassidy was knowledgeable and friendly when evaluating my eyes for contacts. And Dr. Purser was very prompt and thorough in examining my eyes. I've always gone to Denver Eye Surgeons and am always pleased with their technology, doctors, and processes!
A very pleasant visit. My technician Monica totally deserves my gratitude for attention to detail. She is a great listener and had answers to my questions. She made me feel comfortable and important; and actually Monica took time with me. I did NOT feel like I was rushed or pushed. Thanks Monica!! Great customer job!!!
Kayla M. did an exceptional job at making me feel comfortable. especially since it was a 1.5 session/ eye exam.
My wife kayleen has had a real positive experience at DW Eye. She appreciates the support she gets from a nurse named Tania. Makes her feel more calm and explains everything to her that’s being done
Tanya was great, she explained the process and I felt very comfortable. Enjoyed meeting Dr.Jones and feel that I am in great hands.
I went today for my annual eye exam. Kayla greeted me and took me for all the preliminary testing. She is very pleasant, explained it all thoroughly and quite professional. They are lucky to have her as an employee.
The waiting area is very nice, big and comfortable. Dr. Andrews and everyone else I dealt with were pleasant and very efficient.
Dr Andrews and his staff are amazing! I got an appointment within 2 days and the whole visit was well organized and very smooth!
What a wonderful place, staff, and location. Dr Crosby was very knowledgeable and professional, truly, top notch. The rest of the staff was just as incredible. I was very pleased with my whole experience. That's coming from a skeptic. I would go back for Dr. Crosby alone, but the rest of the staff were also very helpful. They even tightened my glasses because my 13-month-old decided to bend them a little bit too much 😂. It's that little attention to detail, and the knowledgeable staff like Dr Crosby that made me want to give this place a five star! From the friendly faces at the check-in desk to the delicious coffee machine to the knowledgeable medical staff, and the amazing doctor. All five stars!
Dr. Purser was extremely knowledgeable about patient needs. She was also willing to go above and beyond what I’ve seen most doctors do by helping find a way to reduce drug cost.
Dr Tetrault and his techs were very thorough and although I didn’t get the best news that I was hoping for, my eyes didn’t get any worse. Also, Penny in the optical department was very helpful in getting my glasses!
Kassidy was very thorough, knowledgeable and patient. Certainly an asset to this organization
Always a great experience. We have been clients of DES since we moved to Denver in 1993. Everyone from reception to checkout is 1st rate.
Dr Crosby did a good job in explaining to me how to treat my dry eye condition. The Dr also suggested I see a cataract specialist to have my right eye corrected.
I hit 2 as far as satisfaction when I meant to type 1- sorry- service was wonderful, the doctor & staff were winderful. Professional & efficient. No complaints at all!
Dr Tetrault has managed my glaucoma for many years and he and the staff there have provided excellent care at every appointment. I feel confident I am receiving the best care possible and highly recommended him and Denver Eye Surgeons. We have my step daughter going there now to deal with macular degeneration.
The female surgeon I saw was very professional and gave me information about my eye that should have been given at my last visit about a spot on back of my eye. She was informative and thorough.
The staff and the doctor I saw for my upcoming cataract surgery was fantastic they were polite courteous and answered every question that I had I'm getting my first cataract surgery done next month
I recently saw Claire Purser, OD and Kassidy Campton, contac lens technician at Denver Eye Surgeons. They were both professional, knowledgeable and personable. Took time to answer all questions. The entire staff at the office deserve 5 star ratings.
I want to commend Kayla M. for her care and understanding with patients during check in. She is always cheerful and calm, never rushing anyone. A true professional!
