Explained by Dr. Schramm
Worried that your teen's astigmatism might be hiding something more serious? Dr. Nathan Schramm walks you through a real-life case of a 15 year old whose vision tests revealed signs of early Keratoconus a condition that might be more common than many of us realise.
In this video, Dr. Schramm reviews a patient chart and explains how techniques like the pentacam imaging system are key to spotting early signs of Keratoconus. He describes how the cornea should ideally display a symmetrical bow-tie shape and what happens when it doesn’t highlighting subtle irregularities like a thinner-than-average cornea and early elevation on the backside. Detailed measurements such as a K max of 51.2 diopters and an elevated central cornea reading provide insight into when vision quality starts to decline, prompting concerns if these measurements go beyond certain thresholds.
Key points covered include:
- The importance of using pentacam to measure corneal tomography and axial length.
- Recognising the classic bow-tie shape of a healthy cornea versus one affected by keratoconus.
- Critical numbers to watch for: a bell and Ambrosio (BAD) display around 2.75 indicating pre-keratoconus, a K max above 48, and central readings around 46.4 to 47 diopters.
- Case insights from a recent study showing that keratoconus or pre-keratoconus might affect as many as 1 in 223 kids, far more than previously thought.
Dr. Schramm also discusses how specialised lenses, can significantly improve vision. Even if your child’s astigmatism seems mild, if you're noticing irregularities or changes, like progressing myopia, it might be time to have a comprehensive exam. Let this video be your guide in recognising the early, subtle signs of Keratoconus and understanding the benefits of current diagnostic tools.
If you have any concerns about your child's vision or need more information about Keratoconus screening, feel free to reach out to our office at Insight Vision Center Optometry in Costa Mesa, CA.
Our eye doctors have a reputation as experts in their specialty fields and are referred to from across Southern California including Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and across Orange County.
We are routinely referred for our advanced specialty care in :
- Keratoconus, Dry Eye, & Corneal Care.
- Children’s Vision Center at the “Eye Gym” providing Vision Therapy, Developmental Eye Exams, Special Needs, and Myopia Management.
- TBI, Sports Vision Training, and Functional Vision Care.
Dr. Nathan Schramm is a globally recognised optometrist specialising in scleral lenses, specialty contacts for irregular corneas, and myopia management. A fellowship-trained ocular prosthetic specialist and Certified Nutrition Specialist, he blends advanced clinical expertise with a holistic approach to eye care. As an educator, author, and innovator, Dr. Schramm’s passion lies in restoring vision for patients with severe corneal conditions and shaping the future of optometry through his ground-breaking work in scleral lenses and myopia control.