Are You Seeing Halos or Glare? It Could Be Keratoconus

Have you been noticing halos around lights or experiencing increased glare, especially at night? These symptoms can be unsettling and disruptive to daily life, making activities like driving at night more difficult. While these signs might be caused by various eye conditions, one possible cause to consider is keratoconus.

 

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This irregular shape distorts vision, leading to symptoms such as halos, glare, blurred vision, and increased light sensitivity. It often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can worsen over time, which is why early detection is essential for managing the condition effectively.
 

Key Symptoms of Keratoconus

Halos and glare are some of the early symptoms of keratoconus. People with this condition often see rings or halos around lights, particularly at night or in dim lighting. This makes night driving especially challenging. These visual disturbances occur because the cornea’s irregular shape affects how light enters the eye, causing it to scatter.
 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

If you're experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor. Keratoconus can often be detected during a routine eye exam, even before noticeable symptoms occur. During your exam, your eye doctor will look for any irregularities in the shape of your cornea, using specialized tools like corneal topography, which creates a detailed map of your cornea's surface. If keratoconus is diagnosed early, there are more treatment options available to slow its progression and improve vision.
 

Contact Lens Options for Keratoconus

For those diagnosed with keratoconus, contact lenses are one of the most effective treatments for improving vision. Here are a few options available:
 

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses are firm and help to reshape the cornea's surface, providing clearer vision by correcting the irregularities caused by keratoconus.
     

  • Scleral Lenses: Larger than regular contact lenses, scleral lenses rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and vault over the cornea. They provide a smooth surface, making them an excellent option for those with advanced keratoconus.
     

  • Hybrid Lenses: These lenses combine the benefits of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses. They are ideal for individuals who need the vision correction of an RGP lens but prefer the feel of soft lenses.
     

  • Soft Contact Lenses: Depending on the severity of your keratoconus, there are certain soft contact lenses that may be an option for you. 
     

Optimizing Your Vision and Eye Health with Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates

At Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating keratoconus with a range of advanced contact lens options and cutting-edge technologies.
 

If you’re experiencing halos, glare, or any other vision disturbances, schedule your eye exam with Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates to ensure your eyes are in their best health and to get the answers you need. Contact our office in Roslyn, New York, by calling (516) 365-4500 to book an appointment today.