Understanding Keratoconus: How Specialty Contact Lenses Can Transform Your Vision

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can dramatically affect vision and quality of life. At Fresh Pond Eye Care, we understand how overwhelming it can be to receive a diagnosis of keratoconus, but we also know there is hope. With advanced specialty contact lenses, many patients can regain clear, functional vision.
 

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition in which the normally round cornea becomes thin and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred vision, glare, and sensitivity to light. Keratoconus typically develops during the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress over time.
 

Why Traditional Glasses and Soft Lenses Often Fall Short

In the early stages of keratoconus, vision changes may be mild and can often be corrected with glasses or standard soft contact lenses. However, as the cornea becomes more irregular, these traditional options often fail to provide adequate vision correction. That’s where specialty contact lenses come in.
 

Rigid Gas Permeable Precision

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are one of the most common specialty lenses used to manage keratoconus. These lenses are smaller and firmer than soft lenses and maintain their shape on the eye, creating a smooth, refractive surface over the irregular cornea. This allows light to enter the eye more precisely, dramatically improving visual clarity. RGP lenses are a great option for many keratoconus patients, especially in the earlier stages of the condition.
 

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a larger type of gas permeable lens that vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Because they don't touch the sensitive cornea, scleral lenses offer exceptional comfort, making them ideal for individuals with advanced keratoconus or those who have trouble tolerating other lens types. In addition to providing superior vision correction, scleral lenses also create a fluid reservoir that helps keep the eye hydrated - an added benefit for patients with dry eyes.
 

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses feature a rigid gas permeable center with a soft outer skirt. This unique design offers the crisp vision of an RGP lens with the comfort and stability of a soft lens. Hybrid lenses are a great middle-ground option for those who need sharper vision than soft lenses can provide but want a more comfortable fit than RGP lenses alone.
 

Personalized Lens Fitting at Fresh Pond Eye Care

Choosing the right specialty lens depends on the severity of your keratoconus, the shape of your cornea, and your lifestyle needs. At Fresh Pond Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic technology to carefully assess your eyes and determine the best contact lens solution for you. Dr. Wu will work with you from initial fitting and follow-up care to ensure your lenses provide optimal vision and comfort.
 

If you have keratoconus, schedule a eye exam at Fresh Pond Eye Care and let us help you find the lens solution that transforms your vision. Contact our office in Ridgewood, New York, by calling (646) 481-8579 or Click here to get in touch with us today.