Standard soft contact lenses are often not an option for people with keratoconus. These traditional lenses can lead to blurry vision, frequent discomfort, and a tendency to slip out of place due to the irregular shape of the cornea. But don’t worry; it’s still possible to wear contact lenses with keratoconus. The best option for you will depend on the severity of your keratoconus, your eye shape, and your personal preferences.
Keep reading to discover what keratoconus is, how it impacts your vision, and how specialty contact lenses in Spokane Valley can help you see more clearly and comfortably.
What is keratoconus, and how does it affect your vision?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This distortion interferes with your eye’s ability to focus light properly, resulting in blurry, distorted vision that’s difficult to correct with prescription eyeglasses or standard soft contact lenses.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Night vision problems
- Eye strain or headaches
- Seeing halos around lights
Keratoconus usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can worsen over time. While keratoconus can cause blurry vision, the good news is you’re not stuck with it. With the right specialty contact lenses, you can see clearly and comfortably again.
Why you need specialty contact lenses for keratoconus
Standard soft contact lenses are designed for eyes with a smooth, regular shape. However, with keratoconus, the irregular cornea prevents soft lenses from fitting properly. As a result, they move around too much, don’t provide stable vision, and can even fall out.
Specialty contact lenses, on the other hand, create a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, allowing light to focus more accurately on the retina.
At EyeQ Optical, we offer specialty contact lenses tailored specifically for patients with keratoconus:
Rigid gas permeable lenses for keratoconus
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made from durable, oxygen-permeable materials that hold their shape on your eye. This firm structure helps smooth out the irregularities of the cornea, allowing for sharper, more consistent vision.
While they may require an adjustment period for comfort, RGP lenses often provide significantly better visual clarity than soft lenses.
Scleral lenses for keratoconus
For many patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus, scleral lenses are the preferred solution. These larger lenses rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), vaulting over the cornea and creating a fluid-filled space that improves both comfort and vision.
Benefits of scleral lenses include:
- Exceptional all-day comfort
- Stable, high-quality vision
- Protection for the sensitive cornea
- Relief for dry eyes
Many of our patients in Spokane Valley who struggled with traditional contacts find scleral lenses to be life-changing. In comparison to standard lenses, they offer superior comfort, clarity, and long-term durability for those with keratoconus.
See clearly with keratoconus
Living with keratoconus doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor vision. With the expertise of our team at EyeQ Optical and the right keratoconus contact lenses, you can enjoy everyday activities again and regain clear vision.
Our Spokane Valley eye doctor is experienced in fitting specialty lenses for keratoconus and other complex eye conditions. We’ll work closely with you to find the ideal solution for your unique vision needs. Contact us today for more information, or use our online form to request an appointment.