Keratoconus (easy read)
Easy read fact sheet on Keratoconus.
![Eye](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img21_2.jpg?itok=63K44HBA)
Our eyes need to be healthy for us to see well.
This factsheet is about an eye problem called keratoconus.
![Cornea](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img18_3.jpg?itok=_A72aKHy)
Keratoconus affects the front of the eye.
The front part of your eye is called the cornea.
![Eye](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img17_1.jpg?itok=iyjowofr)
If you have keratoconus your cornea slowly changes shape.
This may make your eyesight get worse.
![Three people](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img19.jpg?itok=S6HZ_Y_N)
People with Down’s syndrome are more likely to have keratoconus.
Keratoconus may happen quickly or very slowly.
![A calendar](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img33_1.jpg?itok=RdQehjdK)
Having an eye test every 2 years is important.
![Optician](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img35.jpg?itok=USJ6zrbt)
Opticians test your eyes.
They are also called optometrists.
We call them opticians in this factsheet.
The optician will check whether you have keratoconus.
![Blurred vision](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img38_4.jpg?itok=1QgiWIe_)
You may not be able to see things clearly.
![Clear vision](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img39_0.jpg?itok=gz15cBpz)
This could be things like looking at a screen, someone’s face.
![Reading](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img36_2.jpg?itok=Nkx10Sv2)
Reading and watching TV may also become difficult.
![Covering eyes](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img51_1.jpg?itok=04yVR1vd)
Bright lights and the sun may hurt your eyes.
![Sunglasses](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img48_0.jpg?itok=IMEnEbc8)
You might need to wear a cap or dark glasses, even in winter!
![Rubbing eyes](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img49.jpg?itok=Gf6vrAOT)
Your eyes might get very tired.
Your eyes may be itchy.
Try not to rub or poke your eye as it might harm your eye.
![Hospital](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img52_4.jpg?itok=GWteUoR7)
You will need to go to the hospital eye clinic to have your eyes checked.
It is important that you get the treatment you need quickly.
![Glasses](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img53_1.jpg?itok=w3ClHwdO)
Many people wear glasses at first.
![Contact lenses](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img54_5.jpg?itok=-7IIHCY2)
If you have keratoconus, you may need to wear contact lenses instead of glasses.
The contact lenses help to keep the cornea in shape.
![Hospital](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img52_6.jpg?itok=sRHei8kT)
The hospital eye clinic will show you how to put your contact lenses on your eye correctly.
![Stopwatch](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img58_4.jpg?itok=CDaB9ZBm)
At first, you wear your contact lenses for a short time each day.
This will help you get used to wearing them.
![Sun](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img47_0.jpg?itok=Pn1Qz5Dz)
Sometimes when wearing contact lenses you can be sensitive to the sunlight.
You might find it very bright.
![Sunglasses](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img48_1.jpg?itok=17Y-2_NL)
You can wear sunglasses as well as your contact lenses.
![Rubbing eyes](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img49_0.jpg?itok=2RpmGP03)
Contact lenses may make your eyes feel itchy.
Try not to rub your eyes.
![Cleaning fluid](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img64_3.jpg?itok=UQTbZtgI)
You will need to keep your contact lenses clean.
The optician can tell you which cleaning fluid you need.
![Pharmacy](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img67_2.jpg?itok=V0YTH5Ux)
You can buy the cleaning fluid from the optician or from the chemist.
The chemist is also known as a Pharmacy.
![Hand washing](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img68_6.jpg?itok=dTcX_skp)
Wash your hands before and after using contact lenses.
This will make the chance of an eye infection less likely.
![Irritated eye](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img70_0.jpg?itok=68PcB0Vx)
An eye infection can make your eyes feel sore or itchy.
![GP surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img72_4.jpg?itok=h43eSFOk)
If you have itchy or sore eyes, see your GP or optician.
![A doctor](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img73_2.jpg?itok=aTp7mn40)
If glasses and contact lenses don’t help, you may need to have an eye operation.
![A doctor](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img76.jpg?itok=3FGyBPsV)
Your eye doctor will tell you what type of eye operation is best for you.
![A form](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img78_1.jpg?itok=HLgavMvB)
If your eye doctor says you need an operation for keratoconus, you can choose if you want this.
Our Eye Surgery Support Plan will help you to choose.