The “Eyes” Have It: Reviewing Keratoconus, the Nurse Practitioner Perspective

Keratoconus, a chronic, progressive ocular disease, is characterized by thinning and protrusion of the cornea. Etiology is not wholly understood; however, associations with heredity and environmental factors have been established. Keratoconic patients present with irregular astigmatism, diminishing visual acuity, and a continuous need to have prescriptive changes to spectacles and contact lenses. Keratoconus is a principal indicator for corneal transplantation. It affects both sexes and all races, beginning in adolescence. Nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to interrupt the preventable contributors to keratoconus through assessment, prompt referral, and treatment of the physiologic and environmental factors linked to development and advancement.