Optical Rehabilitation Remedies for a Patient with Keratoconus and Esophoria With Biochemical Aspects

Keratoconus and esophoria are eye disorders associated with eye alignment that affect children and teenagers. However, keratoconus may not be noticed at a tender age, while esophoria can be identified early in childhood. Keratoconus results from corneal thinning and gradual outward swelling, forming a cone-like shape. Biochemically, this condition is linked to changes in the extracellular matrix, including collagen degradation and altered oxidative stress levels, which weaken the corneal structure. Esophoria is associated with weak eye muscles that cause the eye to turn inward. This misalignment is influenced by disruptions in neurotransmitter signaling and neuromuscular coordination, which affect the convergence process. Individuals with esophoria may not easily notice the condition, as the eyes appear to work together until the fusion, or binocular vision, between the two eyes is broken.