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!
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!
They have taken excellent care of our eyes for years! I am confident they know what they are doing. The appointments are easy to schedule and there are plenty of comfortable chairs to wait for your appointment. The waiting time is brief. We are always satisfied!
Incredible customer service!!! Everyone was engaging, kind, supportive and professional ~all the way from the front desk, visit, exit. Dr Noguchi was excellent- bedside manner, medical intervention, demeanor. He is a world class physician and a classy gentleman. Thank you all for treating me like family
Tania was very nice and personable. She answered all my questions. Very very friendly! Dr. Costin was also very personable and good.
Tania came in to the exam room to perform the pre appointment examination before meeting with Dr. Purser. Tania was very thorough, professional and personable. A very good experience.
I was so impressed by your staff. One person really went out of her way, Tonia. Very helpful and kind. She has great patient care ethics. Great job team.
Everyone was wonderful and explained everything very thoroughly, including billing. Both office staff and doctors were great! I had a past retinal detachment and they treated it very seriously.
Kassidy did a fantastic job fitting me for my contacts. She was very patient and friendly and I am seeing great in my new monovision set up. Thanks Kassidy!
Great experience with Kassidy after cataract surgery for contact lens fitting. She explains everything in layman’s terms that make it easy to understand what I am experiencing very easy to understand. Thank you Kassidy.
Dr Costin was amazing. She is highly professional, very honest, and would recommend her to anyone. In fact, the entire staff was amazing.
Dr Crosby, her Tech and her assistant... First Dr Crosby's tech. I was so pleased with her. She did the exam and front end of my appointment. She was very detailed and thorough, as well as kind. The best I have had in many years of exams. Dr Crosby was new for me after my prior Dr left. Much better manner then the prior Dr. She answered all my questions and was very thorough and kind as well. Her assistant was very helpful, and I suspect the employee who helped me with a lost prescription. To conclude, a happy experience!
Able to see me quickly for an eye infection and staff very friendly including Joanna and Dr Crosby!
Thank you Kassidy for the contact fitting after cataract surgery. I know the second eye will be just as great a fitting!
Chi checked me in before I was seen by the doctor. Chi was very nice, pleasant and very patient with me when setting me up with my exams. Chi is very customer service oriented she’s a keeper in my books.
On the 13th of March 2026 I went in for a problem that had been increasing over time. The doctors assistant was attentive, professional and cheerful. Much appreciated. I was lucky to get Ophthalmologist Jonathan Noguchi, M.D.. He was professional, likeable and was calm during my apprehension. He identified my problem and explained what it was and how he could solve it. This procedure was to remove enflamed and plugged tear ducts and he had to insert a needle in 3 different places on both eyes, and I mean next to the eye to numb these spots. Then he simply removed the inflammation with small scissors. I would recommend this doctor. He was easy to like, knew what he was doing and he got right on it and had me going out the door lickety split..Thanks doc. I look and feel much better!
I went in for an appointment on Friday. I was greeted by Kayla. She is amazing and very helpful and friendly. Thank you for all your help Kayla💯❗
As stressful as eye appointments can be. This place eased all my worries! Samantha G at the front desk is the absolute best. She is patient and worked with me to ensure I was seen and taken care of!!! Thank you to your entire team!!
Chi was very knowledgeable and professional. She should go back to school! Dr. Crosby was amazing as well. I love going to DES and have been going to them for years. Would recommend.
Samantha G was very friendly and accommodating with the Dr's schedule and got me an appointment that was more convenient for me!!
