Marriottsville, MD
A 21-year-old female asked:
What is the difference between keratoconus and severe astigmatism?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 26 years experience
Cone vs warp: Keratoconus is an abnormal conical shape of the cornea--sometimes severe enough that glasses cannot fully correct and surgery is considered. Astigmatism is more like a warp or bend in the surface of the cornea in a specific location. It is possible to have both at the same time. Talk to your Eye Dr if further questions.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
892 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Neil Notarobertoanswered
Ophthalmology 31 years experience
Keratoconus is: progressive disease of the cornea in which the normally dome shaped cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This condition needs to be monitored and possibly treated to prevent long term visual disability. Astigmatism is a refractive error, therefore it is not an eye disease it is an error in the focusing ability. Astigmatism is treated simply with glasses, contacts or surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
892 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Paul Kuckanswered
Ophthalmology - LASIK Surgery 40 years experience
Abnormal vs. normal: KC is when the structure and strength of the cornea is abnormal, and the cornea becomes cone shaped. This causes IRREGULAR astigmatism (think of a lop-sided football). The steeper axis is greater on one side of the center than the other. Astigmatism, even severe form, is when the cornea is shaped like the surface of a football, steeper in one axis than the other, the same on both sides of center.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
889 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 3, 2019
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