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Keratoconus
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Research
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Keratoconus Genetics
Research Program

Program staff: Yaron S. Rabinowitz, M.D., Principle Investigator, Cornea Specialist/Ophthalmic Geneticist, and Diana Remba, Research Coordinator.

This study is funded in part by a grant from the National Eye Institutes of Health.

• Background
• Our Goal
• Benefits of Participation
• How to Participate
• Support
• Information / How to get answers to your Questions

Background

Keratoconus literally means “a cone-shaped cornea.” The cornea or “window of the eye” thins, resulting in progressive nearsightedness and astigmatism over time.

The vast majority of patients with keratoconus can be visually corrected with special contact lenses. They may require many lens changes over a lifetime as the cornea is constantly changing. The corneal thinning may stop or progress at any age.

In less than 10% of cases, a cornea transplant may be needed. Cornea transplants are the most successful of all organ transplants with a success rate of greater than 96% in patients with keratoconus.

The cause of keratoconus is unknown. Eye rubbing, hard contact lenses and genetic factors have all been implicated.

Our Goal

Our studies to date support the position that there is a genetic basis for keatoconus. As such, it is our goal to study patients with keratoconus and their family members in order to identify the gene(s) that cause the inherited form of the disease. We hope to be able to use this information to devise a cure high-risk individuals.

Benefits of Participation

There are several benefits awaiting individuals who participate in the Keratoconus Genetic Research Program:

• We will supply your eye doctor with a computerized map of your cornea so as to facilitate obtaining a far better fit for your contact lenses.
• We will monitor the status and/or progression of your keratoconus, on an annual basis.
• We may be able to identify which of your family members (if any) are at risk for developing keratoconus.

How to Participate

To schedule an appointment, please contact our research coordinator, Diana Remba, at (310) 423-9642.

During your visit, which should take about 30 minutes, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. An eye exam will be performed and computerized photos of your corneas will be taken.

Convenient validated parking is available in the building.

Support

We can arrange for your to meet other patients with keratoconus who have had many contact lens changes or corneal transplants, so that you can discuss problems of common interest, share information, and better understand the treatment options that are available.

For further information on Keratoconus, click here.

Last modified: 08/29/05 12:00:00 AM