0n Saturday morning, January 7, 2006, the Shiley Eye Center and the National Keratoconus Foundation sponsored an informational medical forum on keratoconus to over 100 interested members of the San Diego community. The following eye care professionals made presentations: Dr. David J. Schanzlin, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Keratorefractive Surgery, along with doctors Christopher W. Heichel, Assistant Clinical Professor; Weldon W. Haw, Associate Clinical Professor, Mitra Mehin, Optometrist at Shiley as well as Jim Owen of TLC Laser Eye Centers. The doctors discussed such topics relating to keratoconus as: breakthroughs in Intacs, advancements in corneal transplants and contact lenses.

Keratoconus, often abbreviated as “KC”, is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. his cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision. Abnormalities of the cornea severely affect the way we see the world making simple tasks like driving, watching TV or reading a book difficult. Keratoconus can occur in one or both eyes.

When keratoconus is advanced, the cornea may be thinner in areas. This can be measured with a painless test called pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement). In most cases, vision can be corrected with gas-permeable contact lenses. Severe cases may require corneal transplantation.

After the presentations there was ample time for questions and answers. As attendees were leaving, many of them commented that the event was very informative.