Contact Lenses for Keratoconus: Understanding the Options

Keratoconus is an eye condition that can make everyday activities like reading, driving, or even recognizing faces challenging. While glasses can help in some cases, contact lenses are often a better option to correct vision. 

However, conventional contacts might be unsuitable for people with keratoconus. That is due to the irregular shape of the cornea. Fortunately, such people have access to various contact lens options that can effectively correct their vision.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that usually affects both eyes. It causes the eyes to bulge outwards and become thinner over time. The thinning and bulging lead to an irregular shape of the cornea. That affects how light enters the eye, causing blurred vision and distorted images. Keratoconus usually starts in the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress for several years before stabilizing.

Challenges of Correcting Keratoconus With Traditional Contact Lenses

Traditional contact lenses have a curved shape that fits over the regular, spherical shape of the cornea. In contrast, the irregular shape of the cornea in keratoconus makes it difficult for conventional contact lenses to fit comfortably. That can cause irritation and discomfort and may not provide adequate vision correction.

Scleral Lenses

These lenses have a large diameter designed to vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera. Fluid fills the space between the cornea's front and the lens's back surfaces, resulting in a smooth optical surface. Scleral lenses are ideal for people with severe keratoconus. That is because they offer more comfort and stability than traditional contact lenses.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses for Keratoconus

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are small, hard lenses that fit over the cornea. They are a healthy option for the eyes because the materials used to make them allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. RGP lenses can correct vision by creating a smooth, regular surface over the cornea, making them a practical option for keratoconus patients.

Hybrid Contact Lenses: A Combination of Soft and Rigid Lenses

Hybrid lenses are a combination of rigid and soft lenses. They have a rigid center that corrects vision, surrounded by a soft outer ring for comfort. Hybrid lenses can provide clear vision and improved comfort compared to RGP lenses.

Custom Soft Lenses for Keratoconus

Custom soft lenses are ideal for people with keratoconus. The soft materials used to make them provide a more comfortable fit than rigid lenses. Custom soft lenses are typically suitable for mild to moderate keratoconus.

Tips for Maintaining Contact Lenses for Keratoconus Patients

Maintaining and caring for contact lenses properly is crucial for those with keratoconus. That entails the following:

• Replacing the lenses as advised by the eye doctor
   

• Replacing them as directed by the manufacturer
   

• Cleaning and sanitizing them per the manufacturer's instructions

Visiting an eye doctor is crucial to ensure the lenses fit correctly and track any eye changes.

Conclusion

For those with keratoconus, contact lenses can be an efficient way to correct vision. Several types of lenses are available. Yet, conventional contacts might not be appropriate for people with this condition. It is best to consult an eye doctor to determine the best lenses for you.

For more on keratoconus, visit HineSight Vision Care at our Flowood, Mississippi office. Call (601) 519-4466 to schedule an appointment today.