Keratoconus, a progressive eye disorder that distorts vision, is increasingly being detected among Sri Lankans, including schoolchildren, the National Eye Hospital has warned.
Marking World Keratoconus Day, Consultant Cornea Surgeon Dr. Kusum Ratnayaka noted that cases of the condition, once considered rare, are now appearing even in children as young as eight years old.
Keratoconus causes the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—to gradually thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Dr. Ratnayaka explained that while no national survey has yet been conducted, reports suggest most patients are aged 10 to 40, with the disorder typically starting during the teenage years or early adulthood.
Individuals with a family history of Keratoconus, frequent eye rubbing, allergic eye diseases such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis, or conditions like Down syndrome and connective tissue disorders are at higher risk, he added.
Treatment options vary depending on the stage and severity of the disease, ranging from spectacles and specialized contact lenses in early stages to corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) to halt progression, and corneal transplants for severe or scarred cases.
Dr. Ratnayaka urged early screening and greater public awareness, warning that untreated Keratoconus can lead to serious vision impairment if not detected and managed in time.
