Keratoconus is a serious eye problem that happens when the cornea assumes a steeper, more cone-like shape. Not surprisingly, the layered shape of the cornea can affect how well we can see, and it can also make finding suitable lenses a lot more challenging.
At Vision and Ortho-K Center, Curtis Frank, OD, specializes in treating more complex vision issues, including keratoconus. In this post, Dr. Frank reviews some options for improving your vision if you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus.
In the early stages of keratoconus when vision problems tend to be relatively mild, glasses or soft contact lenses can provide adequate vision correction for many people.
Both options can help correct refractive vision issues, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, as the cornea steepens, glasses and contacts become far less effective in providing clear vision, making the other options on this list more suitable.
For many people, hard contact lenses are the next step in finding a solution that provides clear, stable vision. Also called rigid, gas-permeable (RGP) contacts, these lenses are designed to follow the contours of your cornea, so light passes through to your retina without distortion.
RGP lenses also allow oxygen to permeate and reach the eye surface, preventing irritation and other issues. It’s important to note that these lenses can take some adjustment, but once your eyes are used to the lenses, they can provide you with much clearer vision.
Piggyback lenses combine the benefits of both soft contacts and RGP lenses for additional vision correction. The more comfortable soft lens rests on the eye surface, while the RGP lens is applied on top of the soft lens.
Combining both lenses enhances vision correction when a single lens isn’t sufficient. Since the soft lens is in contact with the eye, it also improves comfort for those who find hard lenses difficult to adjust to.
Hybrid lenses are another type of “combination” lens. In this type of lens, a central RGP lens is surrounded by a soft, flexible border.
The soft portion comes in contact with the eye, making the lens more comfortable than a traditional hard lens. Meanwhile, the RGP center offers more stable vision correction.
Finally, scleral lenses may be a good choice when other lens options have failed to provide adequate vision correction. These large, gas-permeable lenses cover the cornea and most of the sclera — the white part of your eye.
The edge of the lens rests on the sclera, as well, floating over the cornea to reduce discomfort. The larger size provides a more stable field of vision, as well.
Keratoconus can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right vision correction options, you can enjoy clearer, more stable vision and an improved quality of life.
To learn more about keratoconus management, call to request an appointment with Dr. Frank and our team at Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston and Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts.
