Understanding Keratoconus: The Corneal Condition Affecting Young Adults 

 
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that is becoming increasingly common among teenagers and young adults in the UAE. Characterized by thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone-like shape, keratoconus leads to distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty achieving clear vision even with glasses. While many people assume vision issues in young adults are simply due to refractive errors like myopia, keratoconus is far more complex and, if left untreated, can significantly impact quality of life. Early detection is essential—not only to preserve vision but also to slow or halt the progression of the disease. 

The condition typically begins in adolescence and continues into the mid-30s. In its early stages, patients experience mild blurring or frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea becomes increasingly irregular and steep, causing ghosting, halos, glare, and poor night vision. Ordinary glasses may no longer correct the distortion, and many rely on rigid or specialty contact lenses for clearer sight. In Dubai, where young adults lead active lifestyles and spend long hours on screens, early symptoms may easily be mistaken for digital eye strain. 

One of the strongest associations with keratoconus is chronic eye rubbing. In the UAE, where allergies and dry eye are widespread due to climate and environmental factors, eye rubbing is especially common. Rubbing weakens corneal collagen, accelerating the progression of keratoconus. Genetic predisposition also plays a role. If a family member has keratoconus, others should undergo early screening—even if no symptoms are present. 

The good news is that early diagnosis has become far easier through advanced imaging techniques. Corneal topography and tomography map the shape, thickness, and curvature of the cornea in detailed layers. These scans detect even the earliest changes, long before vision becomes noticeably impaired. Schools and vision centers in Dubai are increasingly incorporating screening programs to identify early keratoconus in students. 

The most effective modern treatment is corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), a minimally invasive procedure that strengthens the corneal tissue and prevents further thinning. When done early, cross-linking can stop the progression of keratoconus and preserve long-term vision. Many patients who undergo cross-linking in the early stages avoid the need for more invasive treatments later in life. 

For patients with more advanced keratoconus, other options include scleral lenses, INTACS (corneal ring segments), or, in severe cases, corneal transplantation. Scleral lenses provide excellent clarity by vaulting over the irregular cornea, offering comfort and stable vision. INTACS reshape the cornea slightly to improve regularity. Corneal transplant procedures have high success rates but are now less commonly needed thanks to early CXL. 

Understanding lifestyle triggers is also essential. Avoiding eye rubbing is one of the most effective ways to slow progression. Managing allergies, using cold compresses, and following proper dry eye management significantly reduce irritation. Patients should also limit excessive screen time, take regular breaks, and use proper ergonomics to reduce eye strain. 

Keratoconus is not a condition that should be ignored or underestimated. With early diagnosis, modern tools, and personalized care, most young adults can maintain clear, comfortable vision and lead active lives without major limitations. Awareness is key—and for families in the UAE, early screening is one of the most important steps in protecting long-term vision.