An eye condition called keratoconus involves the reshaping of the cornea, the front window of tissue that covers your eye. If you have keratoconus, the typically round, half-ball shape of your cornea will start forming a cone or pointed shape. This will distort the light entering your eye and affect your visual acuity. Doctors do not have a clear understanding as to the cause for this condition, but you should talk to your doctor about taking compounds such as N-acetylcysteine and the potential for preventing further corneal damage.
N-Acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine has antioxidant properties that make this manufactured, pharmaceutical compound beneficial in treating a number of conditions. Doctors may advise using NAC to treat conditions such as bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. As well, the properties of this compound may help prevent certain types of cancer.
Common side effects associated with NAC include stomach upset, diarrhea, headaches and irritation to the white part of your eye. You should not use this or any other supplement without first consulting your doctor to help prevent these potential side effects or other complications.
Possible Link
Since keratoconus could result from oxidative stress, the breakdown of cells and tissue resulting from free radicals, N-acetylcysteine could help prevent or slow this damage down. Studies have not directly evaluated the role of NAC in keratoconus patients or those at risk for the condition but, in theory, if antioxidants could offer some protection, this pharmaceutical antioxidant could offer benefits as well.
Treatment
Treatment for keratoconus typically begins with the use of rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses that will improve vision and retard the changes in corneal shaping. If the cornea grows steeper or begins to scar, your doctor may recommend surgical procedures to help reshape or stunt the progression of the changes. In severe cases of keratoconus, you may require a corneal transplant, a surgical procedure that takes considerable healing time and grafts. In many cases, a corneal transplant will restore some vision, but you may continue to experience low vision, particularly if the transplant procedure results in complications or poor healing.
Considerations
Blurry vision may indicate keratoconus, but changes in your acuity could also indicate other eye conditions. You should contact your doctor if you notice blurring or any other eye symptom, and your doctor will evaluate your eyes for the cause. If you do have keratoconus, your doctor will discuss your condition and make recommendations for treatment based on the severity of your corneal changes.
