CLM - Keratoconus I - Week 2 Flashcards
Describe what keratoconus is.
A condition in which the cornea assumes a conical shape as a result of non-inflammatory thinning of the stroma
Is keratoconus inflammatory or non-inflammatory?
No
True or false
Keratoconus is the most common corneal ectasia.
True
What is the main force behind the distortion of the corneal shape with progressive thinning?
IOP
Is keratoconus progressive or acute?
Progressive
What kind of astigmatism is generally the result of keratoconus?
Irregular astigmatism
Give corneal thicknesses for the following stages of keratoconus:
Normal
Subclinical
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Normal - 545um
Subclinical - 500um
Mild - 475um
Moderate - 440um
Severe - 415um
List the three types of keratoconus and ther proportion of cases they form, the area of cornea affected, and the percentage of cornea involved if applicable.
Nipple - 45% near the corneal centre or inferior nasal region
Sagging - 50% larger, below the centre or inferior
Globus - 5% involving up to 75% of the cornea
What kind of ametropia and astigmatism (2) may be seen in keratoconic eyes?
High myopia and either oblique or against the rule astigmatism
What is a sensitive and reliable test for detecting keratoconus?
Retinoscopy - scissors reflex
Can keratoconus be present in a cornea of normal thickness?
Yesd
How do corneal nerves appear in a keratoconic eye?
Increased visibility
What are Vogts striae and how do they appear?
Fine, whitish, usually vertical lines produced by the compression of descemets membrane and deep stroma
What is fleischers ring and which layer of the cornea is it generally? What can be used for increased visibility?
Brownish partial or complete iron deposition ring in the deep epithelium at the base of the cone
Increased visibility with blue light
Describe munsons sign.
Bulging of the lower lid on the downward gaze caused by the corneal protrusion - advanced cases only
What are acute hydrops and why do they form?
Splits in descemets layer, which allows aqueous to enter the stroma with gross epithelial and stromal oedema
What is the incidence of acute hydrops in keratoconus?
3%
Is keratoconus significantly uni- or bilateral?
Bilateral (5-15% monocular)
Until what age does keratoconus generally progress until?
Until the 3rd or 4th decade
Is the cause of keratoconus known?
Unknown
Is there a genetic predisposition for keratoconus or is it purely environmental?
There is a genetic link
List 7 risk factors for keratoconus. List the main three first.
Ocular allergies
Atopy
Eye rubbing
Ethnicity factors
Downs syndrome
Relative of affected individuals
Connective tissue disorders
What three ethnicities are at higher risk of keratoconus?
Asian
Maori
Arabian
Give a possible cause of keratoconus.
Stromal thinning possibly caused by increased activity of proteinase enzymes and decreased proteinase inhibitors, causing reduced biochemical stability
What is the most common instrument used by optometrists to quantify corneal shape? Can this device be used to measure keratoconus? Is it considered the standard of care?
A keratometer, can be used to measure increased corneal curvature, but no longer the standard of care
What can be seen on a keratometer measurement of a keratoconic eye?
Irregular or distorted mires