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Keratoconus and Dry Eye: Understanding the Link

Looking for relief from keratoconus and dry eye?Our innovative treatments and experienced doctors offer advanced solutions to restore comfort and improve vision.

Keratoconus and dry eye are two eye conditions that often go hand in hand. Both can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and impact daily life. In this article, we’ll explore the link between keratoconus and dry eye, their symptoms, and the best treatment options to help you protect your vision and quality of life.

  • What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped instead of round. This irregular shape causes distorted vision and makes it harder for light to focus properly on the retina.

Common symptoms of keratoconus include:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Frequent changes in glasses prescription
  • Increased light sensitivity
  • Halos or glare around lights
  • Eye strain or headaches

While the exact cause isn’t fully known, experts believe genetics, eye rubbing, and environmental factors play a role.

  • What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Without proper lubrication, the eyes feel irritated and vision may become blurry.

Typical symptoms of dry eye include:

  • Dryness, grittiness, or burning sensation
  • Itchy or irritated eyes
  • Excessive tearing (reflex watering)
  • Redness and discomfort
  • Sensitivity to light

Dry eye can be caused by aging, hormonal changes, digital screen use, medications, or environmental conditions such as wind or air conditioning.

  • The Link Between Keratoconus and Dry Eye

Although keratoconus and dry eye are separate conditions, they often overlap and worsen each other.

 

  • In keratoconus, the irregular cornea disrupts the tear film, reducing tear stability and causing dry eye symptoms.
  • Dry eye increases friction and inflammation, which can worsen keratoconus discomfort.
  • Together, they can lead to blurry vision, irritation, and difficulty with daily activities like reading or driving at night.
  • Management and Treatment
Managing keratoconus and dry eye requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both conditions together. Since each patient’s situation is unique, it is important to seek professional guidance from an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a proper diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Keratoconus

Keratoconus management depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Common options include:

  • Glasses or contact lenses – In the early stages, eyeglasses may correct vision. As keratoconus progresses, specialized contact lenses such as scleral lenses or rigid gas-permeable lenses are often prescribed to provide clear vision and reduce discomfort.
  • Corneal cross-linking (CXL) – A minimally invasive procedure where riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied to the cornea and activated with ultraviolet (UV) light. This strengthens corneal tissue and helps slow or stop disease progression.
  • Corneal transplant (keratoplasty) – In advanced cases where vision cannot be corrected with lenses or cross-linking, the damaged cornea may be replaced with a healthy donor cornea. This is typically considered a last-resort treatment.
  • Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Dry eye management focuses on restoring tear film stability and reducing irritation. Treatment may include:

  • Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops – Provide immediate but temporary relief by moisturizing the eye surface.
  • Prescription medications – In moderate to severe cases, prescription drops (such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast) or oral medications may help reduce inflammation and stimulate natural tear production.
  • Punctal plugs – Tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping natural tears on the eye longer.
  • Lifestyle modifications – Simple changes like avoiding windy or dry environments, using a humidifier indoors, staying hydrated, and taking regular breaks from digital screens can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms.
  • Expert Keratoconus & Dry Eye Care in raleigh

At the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, our doctors specialize in advanced treatments for keratoconus and dry eye. We provide tailored care strategies—including scleral lenses, cross-linking, and dry eye therapies—to help you see clearly and comfortably again.

Call us at (919) 850-5910 or email hello@raleighcontactlens.com to schedule your appointment today. Don’t let keratoconus or dry eye hold you back—we’re here to help you every step of the way.

  • Frequently Asked Questions
Can keratoconus make dry eye symptoms worse?
Yes. The irregular shape of the cornea in keratoconus disrupts the tear film, making the eyes more prone to dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Managing both conditions together is important for long-term comfort and vision.
Treatment usually involves a combination approach. Specialized contact lenses (like scleral lenses) can improve vision and protect the eye surface, while dry eye therapies such as lubricating drops, prescription medications, or punctal plugs can restore tear stability. Your doctor will recommend a plan tailored to your needs.
You should schedule an eye exam if you notice blurred vision, light sensitivity, frequent changes in glasses prescription, or persistent dryness and irritation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow progression of keratoconus and reduce dry eye discomfort.

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