When it comes to your eyes, the clarity of your vision is paramount. Keratoconus, a progressive eye disease, can disrupt this clarity, distorting your view of the world. But what if you could restore your vision from the corneal irregularities caused by keratoconus? Scleral lenses might just be the solution you're searching for.

What are the Causes and Symptoms of Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition that arises when your cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of your eye, begins to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This deformation disrupts the way light enters your eye, resulting in distorted vision.

While the exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, it is believed to be associated with genetic factors, as it often runs in families. Other potential causes include chronic eye rubbing, exposure to ultraviolet rays, and poorly fitted contact lenses. Additionally, some researchers suggest that an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea may contribute to its weakening and subsequent change in shape.

Keratoconus typically first appears in the late teens or early twenties and can affect one or both eyes. The symptoms often begin subtly and progress over time. You may first notice a slight blurring of your vision that glasses cannot correct. As the condition advances, you might experience increased light sensitivity, glare, and halos around lights, making night driving particularly challenging.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult an optometrist. They can perform a thorough eye exam and employ various tests, such as corneal topography, to determine if you have keratoconus. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing the condition and maintaining your vision.

What are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens specifically designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera.

Unlike standard contact lenses, scleral lenses have a larger diameter and a unique shape that provides several advantages for people with corneal irregularities. The space between the back surface of the lens and the cornea acts as a fluid reservoir, which can help to smooth out irregularities and provide consistent hydration, offering relief for those with dry eyes.

The design of scleral lenses allows them to rest on the less sensitive sclera without touching the delicate and often irregular cornea. This distribution of pressure and the creation of a tear-filled vault over the cornea can help in correcting vision for those with keratoconus. Because they are made to measure, they offer a custom fit that can greatly enhance comfort and visual acuity.

Benefits of Using Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

The most immediate benefit you'll notice from scleral lenses is the remarkable improvement in your vision. By neutralizing the irregularities of the cornea, scleral lenses provide crisp, clear vision that is often not achievable with other forms of correction.

Scleral lenses can minimize the glare and light sensitivity that are common with keratoconus. This can make activities like driving at night or working on a computer far more comfortable and safer.

Many individuals with keratoconus find traditional contact lenses uncomfortable or intolerable. Scleral lenses, however, are often much more comfortable due to their larger size and the way they distribute pressure evenly across the sclera. This can make contact lens wear possible and pleasurable for those who previously thought it wasn't an option.

Restore Your Vision Today

Living with keratoconus can be challenging, but scleral lenses offer a beacon of hope. They are not just a means of vision correction; they are a pathway to a better quality of life. By addressing the causes and symptoms of keratoconus head-on, scleral lenses provide a stable, comfortable, and health-conscious solution to manage this condition.

If you're grappling with the effects of keratoconus, consider scleral lenses as a viable treatment option. Reach out to our professionals to determine if these lenses are the solution for your visual needs at Clarity Vision in our Holly Springs, North Carolina, office. Call (919) 646-2900 to schedule an appointment today.