Keratoconus can be complex, and the various contact lens options available are critical for those living with this condition. This blog post will explore the benefits of different types of lenses, such as scleral lenses, hybrid contact lenses, and more. These specialty contact lenses can help improve vision correction in keratoconus patients, mitigate symptoms related to advanced keratoconus, or possibly even delay its progression.
We’ll also provide some guidance on choosing the right type of lens based on factors like the severity of your keratoconus, corneal surface topography results, and your comfort level with regular lens wear. Lastly, we’ll touch on caring for your contact lenses to maintain optimal ocular surface ecosystem health.
Read on to learn more about making an informed decision regarding your choice of contact lenses for keratoconus.
Understanding Keratoconus and Contact Lens Options
Keratoconus is an eye condition that interferes with the shape of your cornea, making it bulge out like a cone. This can cause vision problems, light sensitivity, and trouble reading at night.
It’s thought that keratoconus is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, often manifesting during adolescence. It usually starts during the early stages of puberty and can continue throughout adulthood.
For mild cases, eyeglasses may be enough; however, more serious instances might necessitate corneal collagen cross-linking, corneal transplantation, or intracorneal ring segments.
Contact lenses tailored to those with keratoconus may be an effective treatment option. So, if you’re dealing with keratoconus, don’t worry. There are plenty of options to help you see clearly and comfortably. There are a few different types of these lenses:
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
These hard lenses keep their shape and cover up your curved cornea, giving you clearer vision than you’d get with glasses or regular soft contacts.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
These lenses are a mix between an RGP lens and soft lenses. They have a hard center surrounded by a softer material, so you get both comfort and clear vision.
ClearKone is an FDA-approved hybrid soft contact lens specifically designed to treat keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. It combines the crisp vision of a hard contact lens with the comfort and convenience of a soft lens.
KeraSoft® Thin is another brand that delivers visual acuity comparable to rigid lens options with the all-day comfort of a thin, soft lens so you can wear them all day wear, every day.
Scleral Contacts
These contacts are slightly larger than hybrid or RGP lenses and rest on the white part of your sclera. They’re comfy, great for fixing vision problems, and also suitable for people with irregular astigmatism caused by keratoconus.
Custom Soft Contact Lenses
These lenses are custom-made just for you based on your eye measurements. They’re a good option if other lenses don’t work for you because of discomfort or fit issues.
Piggybacking Contacts
This involves placing a soft lens under a rigid one, combining benefits from both types – comfort from soft lenses and clarity from RGPs.
Toric Soft Lenses
Toric Soft lenses are designed specifically for those with astigmatism, like mild-to-moderate keratoconus, and offer flexibility and convenience.
Benefits of Contact Lenses for Keratoconus
Contact lenses can provide many advantages to enhance your sight and total well-being if you have keratoconus. They create a new refractive surface on the cornea, which helps correct distorted vision caused by keratoconus.
Improved Visual Acuity
Contact lenses are more efficient than eyeglasses at correcting distorted vision in keratoconus patients, resulting in better visual acuity. They provide a smoother front surface for light to pass through into the eye, resulting in better vision.
Better Comfort and Fit
The right type of contact lens can also offer improved comfort over traditional eyewear, especially if it’s custom-fitted for your unique eye shape. For instance, scleral lenses cover a larger area than standard contacts, providing greater stability and reducing discomfort.
Versatility in Lens Options
As discussed, keratoconus patients have several types of contact lens options available. With so many options, you can find the right contact lens wear for your needs.
While these benefits make contact lenses an attractive option for managing keratoconus symptoms, it’s crucial to remember that not all eyes are alike. What works best will depend on individual factors. Always consult an experienced optometrist at True Eye Experts before deciding on your treatment plan.
How to Choose the Right Contact Lens for Keratoconus
Selecting the ideal contact lens for keratoconus can be daunting, but we can guide you every step of the way. Here are some factors to consider:
Fitting of the Lens
The fit of your contact lens is crucial in managing keratoconus effectively. A poorly fitted lens may cause discomfort and further damage your cornea. It’s best to work with an eye care professional experienced in fitting lenses for this condition.
Lens Comfort
Your comfort while wearing contacts is another critical consideration. Different types of lenses offer varying levels of comfort, depending on your tolerance and lifestyle needs.
Optimal Vision
Contact lenses can improve visual acuity for those with keratoconus while ensuring comfort. Choose a type that provides optimal vision correction without compromising on comfort.
Caring for Contact Lenses with Keratoconus
Caring for contact lenses with keratoconus may seem tedious, but it’s not beyond your capabilities. You can keep your lenses clean and your eyes healthy with a few simple steps.
Cleaning Your Contact Lenses
First, always use the solution your eye care professional recommends to clean your lenses. Do not attempt to use tap water, as it may contain bacteria that can cause infections. After wearing your lenses, rinse them thoroughly and gently rub them in the palm of your hand with a few drops of solution.
Storing Your Contact Lenses
When you’re not wearing your lenses, store them in fresh solution inside a clean case. Do not reuse old solutions or top off existing liquid – harmful bacteria can grow over time and cause problems.
Maintaining Good Hygiene Practices
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses to help reduce the risk of transferring dirt or germs onto the lens.
Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless they’re specifically designed for overnight wear. Extended wear can increase the chances of infection.
Schedule regular appointments with an eye doctor to keep your eyes in good condition and ensure the fit of your lenses is still accurate. When you come in for your regular examination at True Eye Experts, our eye doctors will monitor how well you’ve adapted to your new contact lenses and make necessary adjustments if needed.
Remember, proper care helps keep your eyes healthy!
When You Experience a Problem
If you experience any discomfort or changes in vision while wearing your lenses, take them out immediately and consult True Eye Experts.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Consulting with an eye doctor is essential for choosing the right contact lens for your keratoconus.
At True Eye Experts, you and your eyes are our top priorities. Our eye doctors and staff members are experts in eye care, from advanced diagnostics to custom treatment plans and prescriptions. We are dedicated to brightening your world with healthy eyes and clear vision!
Make an appointment with us today to discuss your options for contact lenses for keratoconus.
