Why Scleral Lenses Are Ideal for People with Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, gradually thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape can cause significant vision problems, including blurred and distorted vision, sensitivity to light and glare, and difficulty seeing clearly at night.
 

The cornea is responsible for refracting light and helping the eye focus. When it becomes irregularly shaped due to keratoconus, the light entering the eye is not focused properly, leading to various visual disturbances. This condition typically begins in the late teens or early 20s and can continue to worsen over time if left untreated. Understanding the underlying causes and progression of keratoconus is crucial for finding the right treatment options to manage the condition and improve your visual acuity.
 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Keratoconus

Keratoconus often starts with subtle changes in your vision, which can gradually worsen over time. Some of the common symptoms associated with this condition include:

• Blurred or distorted vision: The irregular shape of the cornea can cause light to scatter, resulting in blurry or distorted vision, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like reading, driving, or using a computer.
• Increased light sensitivity: People with keratoconus often experience increased sensitivity to bright lights, glare, and halos around light sources, which can be particularly troublesome at night.
• Frequent prescription changes: As the cornea continues to change shape, your eyeglass or contact lens prescription may need to be updated more frequently to keep up with the changes in your vision.
• Eye strain and fatigue: The constant effort required to see clearly can lead to eye strain, headaches, and overall fatigue, especially after prolonged visual tasks.

It's important to recognize these symptoms and seek professional medical attention if you suspect you may have keratoconus. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help slow the progression of the condition and improve your overall visual function.
 

What are Scleral Lenses and How Do They Treat Keratoconus?

Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lens designed to provide a solution for individuals with complex vision problems, including keratoconus. These lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and cover not only the cornea but also a portion of the white part of the eye, known as the sclera.
 

Scleral lenses create a small, fluid-filled space between the lens and the cornea, effectively "vaulting" over the irregularly shaped cornea. This helps to neutralize the distortions caused by the corneal irregularities, resulting in improved visual acuity. The large diameter of scleral lenses allows them to rest on the sclera, providing a more stable and comfortable fit compared to traditional contact lenses. This stability helps to maintain the desired optical correction, even as the cornea continues to change shape over time.
 

The fluid-filled space between the scleral lens and the cornea helps to protect the sensitive corneal surface, reducing the risk of irritation or discomfort often experienced with other contact lens types. Scleral lenses are also designed to allow for better oxygen transmission to the cornea, which is essential for maintaining the health and function of the eye.
 

By addressing the unique visual and comfort challenges associated with keratoconus, scleral lenses can provide a game-changing solution for individuals struggling with this progressive eye condition.
 

How to Get Fitted for Scleral Lenses

Obtaining the right scleral lenses for your individual needs requires a specialized fitting process, which is typically conducted by an experienced eye care professional, such as an optometrist. The fitting process for scleral lenses typically involves the following steps:
 

• Comprehensive Eye Examination: Your eye care provider will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes, including measurements of the corneal curvature, eye shape, and other relevant factors.
• Corneal Topography: This advanced imaging technology provides a detailed map of the surface of your cornea, allowing your eye care provider to determine the optimal lens design and fit.
• Lens Selection and Fitting: Based on the information gathered during the examination and corneal topography, your eye care provider will select the appropriate scleral lens design and begin the fitting process. This may involve multiple trial lens fittings to ensure the perfect fit and optimal visual performance.
• Lens Insertion and Removal Training: Your eye care provider will teach you how to properly insert, remove, and care for your scleral lenses, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition to this new lens type.
• Follow-up Appointments: After the initial fitting, you will need to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor the fit and performance of your scleral lenses, as well as to make any necessary adjustments or modifications to the lenses.

By working closely with your optometrist, you can ensure that your scleral lenses provide the optimal vision correction and comfort for your keratoconus.
 

Are Scleral Lenses Right for You?

For individuals living with keratoconus, scleral lenses can be a game-changing solution that addresses the unique visual and comfort challenges associated with this progressive eye condition. By effectively neutralizing the distortions caused by the irregular corneal shape, scleral lenses can provide you with clearer, sharper, and more consistent vision, while also reducing the impact of glare, light sensitivity, and discomfort.
 

Schedule an appointment with Texas State Optical Midlothian to learn more about how scleral lenses can help you manage your keratoconus and improve your vision. Visit our office in Midlothian, Texas, or call (972) 299-3720 to take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.