How Do I Improve My Vision if I Am Suffering from Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular curvature distorts how light enters the eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision. If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or suspect you might have it, there are several effective ways to improve your vision and protect your long-term eye health.
 

Understanding Keratoconus and Vision Correction

Keratoconus causes the cornea to bulge forward into an irregular cone shape, distorting how light enters the eye. This distortion leads to blurry, double, or ghosted vision that can’t be fully corrected with glasses. Specialty contact lenses, however, create a smooth optical surface that compensates for the cornea’s irregularity, allowing light to focus properly on the retina for clearer vision.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor at Downtown Vision will carefully maps the curvature of your cornea using advanced imaging technology. This data helps determine which specialty contact lens type offers the best vision and comfort.
 

Scleral Lenses

One of the most effective and comfortable options for keratoconus is scleral contact lenses, which are large-diameter lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) rather than directly on the cornea. The space between the lens and cornea is filled with a soothing saline solution that smooths out irregularities, providing crisp vision and lasting comfort. These lenses also help protect the cornea from dryness and friction, making them ideal for sensitive eyes.
 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are smaller and rest directly on the cornea. They maintain their shape to provide a smooth refractive surface, improving clarity for mild keratoconus. While RGP lenses may take some time to adapt to, many patients experience excellent vision correction once they are comfortable with the fit.
 

What to Expect During the Fitting Process

Fitting specialty lenses for keratoconus is a highly customized process. Your eye doctor will take detailed corneal measurements, assess tear film quality, and test various lens designs to find your optimal fit. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure that your treatment for keratoconus is tailored precisely to your needs. Follow-up appointments are also essential to fine-tune comfort and vision and to monitor the health of your corneas over time.
 

Get Expert Care for Keratoconus at Downtown Vision

Specialty contact lenses can dramatically improve the quality of life for patients with keratoconus, restoring clear vision and comfort where glasses and standard contacts fall short. Whether you need scleral lenses or another advanced solution, working with an experienced optometrist ensures you receive a personalized treatment plan designed for your unique eyes.

At Downtown Vision, we specialize in fitting custom scleral and specialty contact lenses for keratoconus and other corneal conditions. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to explore your best options for clear, stable vision. Please call our Reno office at (775) 322-4061 or our Carson City office at  (775) 883-3977 to book an appointment today.