Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes thinning of the cornea. The cornea then gradually bulges out into a cone shape leading to light sensitivity and blurred vision.

Erie resident Levi Swanson has experienced the ongoing effects of Keratoconus and went 11 years before receiving a definite diagnosis. He first noticed symptoms at the age of 16 when he was struggling to read the board in class.

Now an adult, Levi recommends that all students struggling to see seek help.

"Be an advocate for yourself. This is a progressive disease so even if you're fine today, next year things could be different."

Corneal cross-linking is a FDA approved treatment done here in Erie to slow the disease progression and lessen symptoms.

Dr. Robert Haverly has been practicing medicine for over 25 years and brought cross-linking to the Erie Area. According to Dr. Haverly, it's important to get seen early on if you start experiencing symptoms.

"It's important to talk about the disease because if you can treat it early, you can prevent a lifetime of eye problems," said Laser eye of Erie's Dr. Robert Haverly. "The sooner you treat it, the better off you are because you can usually keep it at a more mild stage."