National Keratoconus Foundation

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National Keratoconus Foundation

The NKCF is an educational program of The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine. We serve individuals diagnosed with keratoconus and their families.

The NKCF was created to raise awareness of keratoconus, provide information and support to those with this eye condition and to support research to find the cause of keratoconus, identify treatment options and eventual cure for keratoconus. Our mission is to advance the awareness and treatment of keratoconus through education and information, research, and support.

10/17/2025

Allow yourself breaks, celebrate small wins, and treat yourself with the same patience you’d give a close friend. It’s okay to wear glasses on a rough day or rest your eyes when needed. By being gentle with yourself, you build resilience and reduce stress.

Learn how you can help NKCF make an impact this World KC Day at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day!

10/16/2025

Learn how you can help NKCF make an impact on keratoconus care this World KC Day at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day!

1. Alio, J. L. (2018) JAMA Ophthalmology, 136(9), 971.
2. Kristianslund, O. (2021). BMJ Open Ophthalmology, 6(1)

10/15/2025

A review of 55 studies found the highest prevalence rates reported after 2020, with over 1,100 people diagnosed per 100,000. These findings highlight the need for better public health strategies and optimized patient care worldwide.

Help NKCF make an impact this World Keratoconus Day. Learn how at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day.

1. Sriranganathan, Aswen, et al. Cornea (2022): 10-1097.

10/14/2025

A new study from Norway found that people with autism are 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with keratoconus than the general population.1 Researchers speculate this could be linked to behaviors like frequent eye rubbing and difficulties communicating vision changes. Out of more than 23,000 individuals with autism studied between 2010 and 2019, 115 were diagnosed with keratoconus—highlighting the importance of awareness and early monitoring in this group.

Learn how you can help NKCF make an impact this World KC Day at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day.

1. Bjerkreim, Hilde, et al. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (2022): 10-1097.

10/13/2025

🔎SEEK SUPPORT! 🔍

Whether it’s finding a specialist through NKCF’s Keratoconus Specialist List, asking for a ride at night, or requesting better lighting at work, support makes daily life easier.

Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness—and it sets you up for better care and quality of life.

Learn how you can help NKCF make an impact at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day

10/12/2025

Learn how you can help NKCF make an impact this World KC Day at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day!

10/11/2025

Today’s approach to keratoconus looks very different from the past. Modern management focuses on early detection, close monitoring, and timely intervention with cross-linking, followed by visual rehabilitation and continued follow-up. This strategy helps preserve vision and sets a new standard of care for patients worldwide. While early intervention can come with challenges, it remains the most effective way to slow disease progression and protect sight for the long term.

Learn how you can help NKCF make an impact this World KC Day at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day.

1. Chiu, G., et al. Catching the Curve: The Essentials to Early Keratoconus Diagnosis. Eyes On Eyecare. May 14, 2025.

10/10/2025

👁️‍🗨️Keeping your eyes comfortable reduces the urge to rub and helps protect your vision for the long term. Treat the triggers—like allergies or dryness—with drops or medications recommended by your doctor.

Visit www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day to learn how you can participate in the Cones for a Cause Campaign this November.

10/09/2025

Keratoconus is a progressive disease that worsens over time, so early diagnosis is critical.

Help NKCF make an impact this World Keratoconus Day. Learn how at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day.

10/08/2025

Get involved in Cones for a Cause this November 10th for World Keratoconus Day! Learn more at www.nkcf.org/world-kc-day

09/29/2025

In this episode of Clearly KC, Dr. Melissa Barnett is joined by Professor Adi Einan-Lifsh*tz, Deputy Director of Ophthalmology and Director of the Cataract and Cornea Unit at Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center in Israel. Together, they explore a cutting-edge approach to vision enhancement in keratoconus through perceptual learning.

Prof. Einan-Lifsh*tz shares details from her recent study showing that stable patients with stable keratoconus who underwent perceptual training experienced measurable gains in corrected visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, without surgery or new lenses. She explains how visual cortex training using specialized software may help some patients reduce their dependence on glasses or specialty lenses.
They also discuss the importance of early detection, appropriate timing of cross-linking—even in pediatric patients—and how small behavioral changes, like avoiding eye rubbing, can make a major difference in outcomes. The episode underscores the value of innovation and education in empowering both clinicians and patients to think beyond traditional treatment pathways.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Clearly KC and catch up on all past episodes wherever you get your podcasts!

09/04/2025

The National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF) is dedicated to increasing awareness, empowering earlier diagnosis, providing access to treatment, and supporting research that improves the quality of life of people with keratoconus. Every dollar raised helps us provide education, resources, and hope to patients and their families. Please visit nkcf.org/donuts to order yours today 🍩👁️

Address

850 Health Sciences Road
Irvine, CA
92617

Website

https://www.nkcf.org/

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About NKCF

The National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF) is an educational program of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine.

Our mission is to raise awareness of keratoconus, and to provide information and support to those with this eye condition. We serve individuals diagnosed with keratoconus and their families, and the medical professionals who work with these patients. NKCF is the oldest and largest organization dedicated to providing information and support to those affected by keratoconus.

The National Keratoconus Foundation was founded in 1986 by parents Morry and Rita Pynoos when their son was diagnosed with keratoconus. The organization was initially funded by a grant from Jane and Norman Neely, another family affected by keratoconus, frustrated by the lack of information and resources available. Since that time, thousands of individuals have benefited from NKCF materials and information.