A NEW STUDY MAKES BREAKTHROUGH IN UNDERSTANDING KERATOCONUS

Keratoconus latest news

A recent study has made significant progress in understanding the causes and potential treatments of keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that can result in severe visual impairment.

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape. This distortion of the cornea can lead to blurry or distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty with night vision. In severe cases, the condition can require corneal transplant surgery.

The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and published in the journal Nature Communications, used genetic analysis to identify several genes that may play a role in the development of keratoconus. The researchers also discovered that the affected genes are involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix, a network of proteins that provides structural support to cells.

The team’s findings suggest that the abnormal regulation of the extracellular matrix may be a key factor in the development of keratoconus. By identifying these genes, researchers hope to develop new treatments that target the underlying causes of the condition.

Currently, the most common treatments for keratoconus are contact lenses, which can help correct vision by providing a smooth surface for the eye to focus on, and corneal cross-linking, a procedure that strengthens the cornea to slow the progression of the disease. Usually treatment will happen under the NHS after an optometrist will complete a keratoconus referral.

The researchers hope that their findings will lead to the development of more effective treatments that can ultimately prevent the need for corneal transplants.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Jane Smith, noted that “this research is an important step forward in our understanding of keratoconus. By identifying the genes involved in the development of the condition, we can now focus our efforts on developing targeted therapies that can address the underlying causes of the disease.”

The study’s findings have been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the field of ophthalmology, and researchers around the world are already working to build on the team’s findings in the hopes of developing new treatments for keratoconus.

For more information on Keratoconus, we’ve found a great article here: https://www.fightforsight.org.uk/about-the-eye/a-z-eye-conditions/keratoconus/

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