The Role of Specialty Contact Lenses in Managing Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the normally round cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped. This irregular shape causes light entering the eye to be distorted, leading to blurry and distorted vision. For those with keratoconus, managing this condition often requires more than traditional corrective lenses. Specialty contact lenses offer a highly effective option for patients, helping to improve visual clarity and quality of life.

 

Understanding Keratoconus and Its Impact on Vision

Keratoconus affects the cornea's structure, causing it to bulge outward. This can lead to significant visual issues, including double vision, ghosting, glare, and light sensitivity. In the early stages, glasses may be sufficient to correct vision. However, as the condition progresses, specialty contact lenses typically become the preferred choice due to their ability to provide a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, allowing for clearer vision.
 

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses for Keratoconus

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: RGP lenses are commonly used for mild to moderate keratoconus. These lenses sit on the cornea, creating a smooth surface that corrects visual distortions. They provide sharper vision than soft lenses but can take some time to adapt to due to their firmness.
     

  • Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses are larger than RGP lenses and vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This design not only bypasses the corneal irregularities but also offers additional comfort by creating a fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea, which can help reduce dryness and irritation. Scleral lenses are ideal for advanced keratoconus cases.
     

  • Hybrid Lenses: Combining the comfort of soft lenses with the vision-correcting power of RGP lenses, hybrid lenses feature a rigid center surrounded by a soft outer skirt. These lenses are beneficial for those with moderate keratoconus, offering a comfortable fit with excellent visual correction.
     

  • Custom Soft Contact Lenses: These are designed specifically for keratoconus patients who may not tolerate rigid lenses. These lenses are crafted to fit the unique shape of a keratoconic cornea, providing a more comfortable and stable fit. Custom soft lenses are especially beneficial for those with mild keratoconus or for patients who experience discomfort with other specialty lenses.
     

How Specialty Contact Lenses Help Manage Keratoconus

Specialty contact lenses address the unique challenges posed by keratoconus by providing a customized fit for each patient’s unique corneal shape. This personalized approach helps reduce visual distortions and improve vision quality. Here’s how these lenses benefit individuals with keratoconus:
 

  • Improved Vision Clarity: Specialty lenses create a smooth optical surface over the cornea, significantly enhancing vision and reducing issues like glare, halos, and ghosting.
     

  • Enhanced Comfort: Options like scleral lenses and hybrid lenses are designed to increase comfort, making it easier for patients to wear them for extended periods.
     

  • Protection for the Cornea: By covering the cornea, these lenses help protect it from further irritation and potential damage caused by eyelid rubbing, which can exacerbate keratoconus progression.
     

Discover the Benefits of Specialty Contact Lenses Today

Specialty contact lenses offer those with keratoconus a new outlook on life, improving not just vision but also confidence and quality of life. At Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates, we will help you find the right solution for your visual and lifestyle needs. Our experience and commitment to advanced care options ensure you receive the best support in managing your condition.
 

For a personalized consultation, reach out toDrs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates and explore how specialty lenses can help you manage keratoconus effectively. Visit our office in Manhattan, New York, or call (212) 355-5145 to book an appointment today.