How Keratoconus Affects Your Eyesight and What You Can Do About It

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the shape of the cornea, leading to distorted vision and sensitivity to light. If left unmanaged, it can significantly impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and using digital screens. Fortunately, advancements in specialty contact lenses provide effective options for improving vision in individuals with keratoconus.
 

Understanding Keratoconus and Its Effects on Vision

The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light into the eye, but in keratoconus, the normally round cornea gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape. This irregular curvature prevents light from properly focusing on the retina, causing blurry or double vision, glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night.
 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Because keratoconus is a progressive condition, regular eye exams are essential for monitoring changes in corneal shape and vision. Early detection allows for timely intervention, helping to slow progression and prevent complications. Routine check-ups also ensure that your contact lenses or other treatments remain effective, providing optimal vision and comfort. Without consistent monitoring, keratoconus can worsen, potentially leading to severe vision impairment that may require surgical intervention.
 

Treatment Options for Keratoconus

While early stages of keratoconus may be managed with glasses or soft contact lenses, these options often become ineffective as the condition progresses. Specialty contact lenses designed for keratoconus can offer better vision correction and comfort.
 

Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses provide a smooth, uniform surface that helps correct irregular corneal shape. These lenses rest on the eye and create a new refractive surface, improving visual clarity.
 

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contacts and vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera (white part of the eye). This design allows the lens to create a tear-filled reservoir, providing superior comfort and hydration while offering sharp vision correction for keratoconus patients. Scleral lenses are ideal for those with advanced keratoconus or those who experience discomfort with smaller lenses.
 

Custom Soft Contact Lenses

Unlike standard soft contact lenses, custom soft lenses for keratoconus are designed with specialized optics to accommodate the irregular corneal shape. These lenses provide better stability and improved vision while maintaining the comfort of soft lenses.
 

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the benefits of gas permeable and soft contact lenses. They feature a rigid gas permeable center for clear vision and a soft outer skirt for enhanced comfort. Hybrid lenses provide a balance between sharp vision and a comfortable fit, making them a great option for individuals who struggle with RGP lens discomfort.
 

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today

Keratoconus can significantly impact vision, but with the right specialty contact lenses, individuals can regain clear and comfortable sight. Whether you require gas permeable, scleral, custom soft, or hybrid lenses, there is a solution tailored to your vision needs.
 

At Focus On Eyes, we specialize in fitting advanced contact lenses for keratoconus. If you are experiencing changes in your vision or need an updated contact lens solution, schedule your eye exam with our team to explore your best options for clear and comfortable vision. Visit our office in Richardson, Texas, or call (469) 620-2120 to book an appointment today.