What Is Corneal Ectasia and How Does It Affect Vision?

Corneal ectasia is a progressive eye condition that weakens and thins the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. Over time, this thinning causes the cornea to bulge outward, leading to distorted vision. While it can occur naturally, corneal ectasia most often develops as a rare complication after refractive surgeries.
 

What Causes Corneal Ectasia?

The exact cause of corneal ectasia varies, but the most common contributing factors include:

• Post-surgical changes: LASIK, PRK, and other corneal procedures can weaken the structure of the cornea.
• Genetic predisposition: Some patients may have underlying corneal abnormalities that make them more prone to thinning.
• Eye trauma: Injury to the eye can compromise the cornea’s structural integrity.
• Keratoconus progression: Corneal ectasia shares similarities with keratoconus, another condition marked by corneal thinning.

Symptoms of Corneal Ectasia

Patients with corneal ectasia often notice:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Increased sensitivity to light (glare and halos)
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
• Double vision or ghosting

These symptoms worsen as the cornea continues to thin and bulge, making early diagnosis essential.
 

How Corneal Ectasia Affects Vision

Because the cornea plays a critical role in focusing light, any change to its shape significantly impacts visual clarity. As the cornea protrudes, it creates irregular astigmatism, which glasses alone cannot correct. Patients may struggle with daily tasks such as reading, driving, or using digital devices, especially in low-light conditions.
 

Treatment Options

Treatment for corneal ectasia depends on the severity of the condition:

• Specialty contact lenses: Scleral or rigid gas-permeable lenses can help correct irregular astigmatism by creating a smooth refractive surface.
• Corneal cross-linking (CXL): This minimally invasive procedure strengthens the cornea by using riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops and UV light, slowing or halting progression.
• Intacs®: Small, arc-shaped implants inserted into the cornea can help flatten its shape and improve vision.

Safeguard Your Sight Against Corneal Ectasia

Corneal ectasia is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on vision and quality of life if left untreated. The key to preserving sight is early diagnosis and prompt treatment. If you’ve had refractive surgery or are experiencing unexplained vision changes, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
 

If you’re concerned about corneal ectasia, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Battle Born Eye Care today. Visit our office in Reno, Nevada, or call (775) 360-6446 to schedule an appointment.