Living with Keratoconus? Explore Your Specialty Lens Options

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that can make everyday vision tasks increasingly difficult. If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, you may have noticed that traditional eyeglasses and contact lenses no longer provide clear vision. Fortunately, specialty contact lenses can offer significant improvements in vision and comfort.

What Is Keratoconus and How Does It Impact Vision?

Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye—to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from properly focusing on the retina, leading to distorted and blurry vision. Symptoms often include:

•          Blurred or double vision

•          Increased light sensitivity

•          Difficulty seeing at night

•          Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

Because keratoconus progresses over time, standard eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may no longer provide adequate vision correction. Since keratoconus results in an irregular corneal shape, specialized lenses are designed to create a smooth optical surface, improving vision clarity.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are small, hard lenses that rest on the cornea, providing a smooth, uniform refractive surface. Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses do not conform to the cornea's irregular shape, allowing them to correct vision more effectively. While they provide sharp vision, some patients find them uncomfortable, particularly if their keratoconus has advanced.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) rather than directly on the cornea. This design allows the lens to vault over the irregular cornea, creating a tear-filled reservoir that provides superior comfort and visual clarity. Scleral lenses are ideal for patients with advanced keratoconus, as they reduce irritation and maintain eye hydration.

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the best aspects of both RGP and soft lenses. They feature a gas-permeable center for clear vision with a soft outer skirt for enhanced comfort. Hybrid lenses offer a good balance for those who struggle with the rigidity of RGP lenses but still need better vision correction than soft lenses provide.

Which Lens Is Right for You?

Each patient’s experience with keratoconus is unique, and the best lens option depends on factors such as the severity of corneal irregularity, personal comfort preferences, and lifestyle needs. A comprehensive contact lens exam at Eyes of San Antonio can determine the most suitable option for you.

Take Control of Your Keratoconus with Specialty Lenses

Living with keratoconus can be challenging, but the right specialty contact lenses can make a significant difference in your vision and quality of life. Whether you need the crisp clarity of RGP lenses, the comfort and stability of scleral lenses, or the balanced approach of hybrid lenses, there is a solution tailored to your unique needs.

If you have keratoconus and are struggling with your vision, schedule an eye exam with Eyes of San Antonio to find the best specialty lens solution for your eyes. Visit our office in San Antonio, Texas, or call (210) 366-1021 to book an appointment today.