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The Merck Manual--Second Home Edition logo
 
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Chapter 230. Corneal Disorders
Topics: Introduction | Superficial Punctate Keratitis | Corneal Ulcer | Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca | Keratomalacia | Herpes Simplex Keratitis | Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus | Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis | Keratoconus | Bullous Keratopathy
 
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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a gradual change in the shape of the cornea that causes it to become cone shaped.

The condition usually begins between the ages of 15 and 25. Both eyes are usually affected, producing major changes in vision and requiring frequent changes in the prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Contact lenses often correct the vision problems better than eyeglasses, but sometimes the change in corneal shape is so severe that contact lenses either cannot be worn or cannot correct vision. In severe cases, corneal transplantation (see Section 16, Chapter 187) may be needed.

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