Description

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing keratoconus effectively. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic process: ### 1. Patient History - *Symptoms*: Patients often report progressive visual distortion, frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, blurred vision, glare, halos around lights, and increased sensitivity to light. - *Family History*: Keratoconus can have a genetic component, so a family history of the disease may be relevant. - *Contact Lens Intolerance*: Patients may have difficulty with contact lens wear due to changes in corneal shape. ### 2. Visual Acuity Testing - *Snellen Chart*: Measures the sharpness of vision. Progressive myopia and irregular astigmatism are common findings in keratoconus patients. ### 3. Refraction - *Manifest Refraction*: Determines the refractive error and correction needed for optimal vision. Irregular astigmatism often indicates keratoconus. - *Retinoscopy*: Can reveal irregular reflexes, suggesting corneal irregularity. ### 4. Slit-Lamp Examination - *Vogt's Striae*: Fine vertical lines in the deep stroma and Descemet's membrane. - *Fleischer Ring*: Iron deposits forming a ring around the base of the cone, best seen with a cobalt blue filter. - *Corneal Thinning*: Central or paracentral thinning. - *Corneal Scarring*: Advanced stages may show apical scarring. - *Munson's Sign*: A V-shaped indentation observed on the lower eyelid when the patient looks

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