Keratoconus : Causes, symptoms & treatment options in Turkey 2025

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus, whose name comes from the Greek and literally means “cone-shaped cornea”, is an eye condition that gradually changes the shape of the cornea. Normally rounded and perfectly smooth, this thin transparent membrane covering the iris and pupil begins to thin out, taking on an irregular conical shape.

This deformation is not apparent from birth. It most often appears in adolescence or early adulthood, and evolves slowly over time. The more keratoconus progresses, the more blurred, distorted or light-sensitive vision becomes.

Keratoconus is a bilateral disease. This means that even if only one eye seems affected at first, the other will most likely end up being affected too. Symptoms are not always symmetrical, which can complicate diagnosis in the early stages.

What are the symptoms of keratoconus?

The symptoms of keratoconus vary from person to person, but there are a few common signs:

• Blurred vision.
• Distorted vision.
• Rapid decline in visual acuity.
• High sensitivity to light.
• Glare.
• Changes in vision.

These symptoms can progress and worsen as the disease advances. In its early stages, keratoconus causes blurred vision similar to a foggy sensation, accompanied by distortions reminiscent of astigmatism. This feeling is most noticeable in distance vision, which is a sign of myopia.

This vision deterioration is often accompanied by photophobia, an excessive sensitivity to light. Consequently, this leads to tearing (ocular irritation) and glare.

Because of the irregular deformation of the cornea, vision becomes more and more distorted as the disease progresses. This results in increased astigmatism and myopia.

People with keratoconus often need to change their glasses frequently, as they no longer correct the astigmatism. There is a much more advanced stage where the cornea becomes so thin that scarring appears, further blurring the vision.

An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve your vision.

What causes keratoconus?

Several suspicious factors are regularly highlighted in medical research on the possible causes of keratoconus.

Genetic predisposition

The first area of investigation is genetic. Many cases of keratoconus have been recorded among members of the same family, which suggests a possible hereditary transmission. Even though no single gene has been identified as responsible so far, the family component is now almost undisputed.

If a close relative has keratoconus, it may be helpful to have regular eye exams for other family members, especially children and adolescents.

Aggravating environmental factors

Other studies suggest that certain behaviors or external conditions may play a role in the onset or worsening of keratoconus. Some of the environmental factors frequently implicated include:

In addition to genetics, external factors may contribute to the development or progression of keratoconus. The most commonly cited are:

• Excessive eye rubbing, often linked to allergies or dry eyes, which can weaken the cornea.
• Prolonged or improper use of contact lenses, especially rigid ones, can also exacerbate corneal deformation in some people.
• Repeated exposure to UV rays without eye protection.

These seemingly harmless everyday actions can have a direct impact on eye health if they are repeated.

A possible hormonal origin?

Since keratoconus often appears in adolescence or early adulthood, some researchers suspect a hormonal influence. Hormonal changes could affect the structure and strength of the cornea, making it more vulnerable to deformation.

Associations with other diseases

Keratoconus is sometimes associated with genetic diseases or rare syndromes, such as:

• Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
• Marfan syndrome, which affects connective tissue.
• Osteogenesis imperfecta, a disease that weakens bones.

These links suggest that certain connective tissue weaknesses may also play a role in the development of the disease.

Treatment of Keratoconus in Turkey

Keratoconus is not a fatality. Thanks to medical advances, it is now possible to slow down its progression and significantly improve vision in the long term. In Turkey, our partner clinics offer state-of-the-art treatments, provided by experienced ophthalmology specialists.

The treatment plan for keratoconus is based on two main objectives:

1. Stabilizing the cornea to halt the disease's progression.
2. Correcting the visual disturbances caused by corneal deformation.

Step 1: Stabilization with corneal cross-linking

Corneal cross-linking is the leading technique used to slow the progression of keratoconus, especially in its progressive form. This is a minimally invasive, painless treatment performed under local anesthesia (eye drops).

This procedure uses UVA rays combined with riboflavin (vitamin B2) to strengthen the collagen in the cornea, making it stiffer and less prone to deformation. The procedure lasts about an hour and does not require hospitalization.

Step 2: Visual correction tailored to each patient

Once the disease is stabilized, the next step is to improve visual quality. This is generally done in stages, depending on the severity of keratoconus:

Glasses or rigid contact lenses

In mild to moderate cases, glasses or special rigid contact lenses are enough to correct vision. Lenses are often preferred because they create a smooth interface with the tear film, helping to neutralize corneal irregularities.

Intracorneal ring segments

When lenses are no longer effective or well-tolerated, the placement of intracorneal rings can be considered. These miniature implants are inserted into the cornea to modify its shape and improve vision. This method is intended for patients without central corneal opacity.

One or two rings can be placed depending on the patient's needs and the precise measurements taken before the procedure.

Corneal transplant

As a last resort, when other techniques fail and the cornea becomes too misshapen or scarred, a corneal transplant may be considered.

This can involve:

• Anterior lamellar keratoplasty (partial transplant): a partial technique that preserves the deeper layers of the cornea.
• Penetrating keratoplasty (full-thickness corneal transplant): reserved for the most advanced cases, with significant central corneal opacity.

Keratoconus treatment in Turkey

The partner clinics of Turquie Santé are recognized for their expertise in the treatment of keratoconus. They offer the most advanced techniques at competitive prices, with strict medical supervision.

Available techniques include:

• Corneal cross-linking (CXL).
• Customized intracorneal ring segments.
• Lamellar keratoplasty.
• Topography-guided excimer laser photoablation.
• Keraflex procedure: an innovative alternative using thermal energy to reshape the cornea.

Are you experiencing vision problems related to keratoconus or have you recently received a diagnosis? Our advisors are here to guide you to the best specialized clinic in Turkey and offer you a personalized treatment plan tailored to your case.

Contact us now for a free evaluation or more information about your available options.