Introduction: Understanding Keratoconus and the Role of Cross-Linking Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — to progressively thin and bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This irregularity leads to blurred, distorted vision, ghosting, light sensitivity, and increasing astigmatism. In the UK, around 1 in 375 people are affected by keratoconus, though in some regions, like the Middle East and South Asia, the prevalence is significantly higher — as much as

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that often goes undiagnosed for years — sometimes well into a patient’s twenties or thirties — leading to considerable frustration, vision loss, and emotional distress. It affects approximately 1 in 375 people in the UK, though many cases are believed to go unrecognised in the early stages. Globally, its prevalence is increasing, possibly due to better diagnostic tools and a greater understanding of early symptoms. The condition causes the cornea — the transparent front

Keratoconus. It’s not the easiest word to pronounce, let alone understand. But if you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with it — or you suspect something unusual is happening with your vision — you’re not alone. In fact, keratoconus affects around 1 in every 375 people globally, and awareness is growing. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what keratoconus is, how it affects the eye, why it happens, and what to expect. Whether you’re newly diagnosed