A non-inflammatory eye condition in which
the normally round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins
causing a cone-like bulge to develop. Keratoconus, often abbreviated
as “KC”, results in significant visual impairment.
The cornea is the clear window of the eye
and is responsible for refracting most of the light coming
into the eye. Therefore, 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 is a progressive disease
of the cornea that is very difficult to treat. Therefore,
patients become more frustrated, contact lens related problems
arise and patients can lose sight. The care of a keratoconus
patient takes one-on-one time with an eye care professional
devoted to their craft,” said Dr. Brett Katzen. “
There is no cookie cutter approach to treating patients with
keratoconus and only a few persons have the experience to
treat these special patients. Tracey is one of those people
and we are very fortunate to have her.”
Tracey R. Hamburg completed her Bachelor
of Science degree and her Master of Science degree at Johns
Hopkins University. She is a licensed Certified Ophthalmic
Technician. At Wilmer, she specialized in caring for patients
with keratoconus, astigmatism and other corneal diseases.
She participated in the training of Johns Hopkins medical
students, residents, nurses and ophthalmic fellows. While
at Johns Hopkins, Tracey co-authored twelve publications in
scientific journals and presented her work at over twenty-five
ophthalmology conferences.
“One out of every 2,000 people has
KC and in a practice the size of Katzen’s, that can
add up to a good number of patients,” said Hamburg.
“I tend to develop a close relationship with my patients
because I see them a great deal over a long period of time.
The staff and facility at the Katzen Eye Group is the ideal
setting for me to provide the treatment my KC patients will
need and the attention they deserve.”
In its earliest stages, keratoconus causes
slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity
to glare and light. These symptoms usually first appear in
the late teens and early twenties. Keratoconus may progress
for 10-20 years and then slow in its progression. Each eye
may be affected differently. While heredity can play a factor,
the disease usually shows up in young people at puberty or
in their later teen years. It is found in all parts of the
United States, and the rest of the world, with no known significant
geographic, cultural or social pattern.
Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be
used to correct the mild nearsightedness and astigmatism that
is caused in the early stages of keratoconus. As the disorder
progresses and the cornea continues to thin and change shape,
rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be prescribed to correct
vision more adequately. The contact lenses must be carefully
fitted, and frequent checkups and lens changes may be needed
to achieve and maintain good vision.
In severe cases, a corneal transplant may
be needed due to scarring, extreme thinning or contact lens
intolerance. This is a surgical procedure that replaces the
keratoconus cornea with healthy donor tissue.
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