Vision problems can be frustrating if you have keratoconus. You may feel like a distorted window or a kaleidoscope is in front of your eyes. You may have trouble with reading, driving, or recognizing faces. 

Your cornea, the clear part that lets you see through your eye, changes shape because of keratoconus. It becomes thin and bulges out like a cone. This makes your vision blurry, distorted, and sensitive to light.

But there is hope. Specific contact lenses can enhance your vision and comfort. They fit your unique eye shape and correct your vision problems. They can considerably raise your quality of life.

Specialty Contact Lenses

Among the best choices for keratoconus patients are specialty contact lenses. These are custom-made lenses designed to fit your unique eye shape and correct your vision problems. They can provide better vision quality, stability, and comfort than regular soft or hard lenses.

There are different specialty contact lenses, but one of the most popular is scleral lenses. 

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. They cover the entire cornea and rest on the sclera. They create a smooth surface over the irregular cornea and correct the refractive errors caused by keratoconus.

Scleral lenses have many benefits for keratoconus patients, such as:
 

• They provide excellent vision quality and clarity

• They are comfortable and stable on the eye

• They do not touch the cornea, which reduces irritation and dryness

• They prevent dust and debris from getting under the lens

• They hold a layer of fluid between the lens and the cornea, which hydrates and protects the eye

Scleral lenses suit most keratoconus patients, even those with severe or advanced cases. However, they require careful fitting and care by an eye doctor specializing in them. Also, they may cost more and require more effort to use than other kinds of lenses.

Other Options

Besides specialty contact lenses, there are other options that keratoconus patients can consider, such as:

Hybrid Lenses

These have a rigid center and a soft skirt around them. They combine the advantages of RGP and soft lenses, such as clear vision and comfort. However, they may not fit all eye shapes and may dislodge easily.

Piggyback Lenses

These are two pairs of lenses worn together: a soft lens under an RGP lens. They provide better comfort and stability than RGP lenses alone. They call for additional upkeep and care, though, and may raise the risk of infection.

Soft Lenses

These lenses have a soft material that adapts to the eye shape. Most people find them comfortable and straightforward to use. However, they may not correct the vision problems caused by keratoconus very well and may cause more distortion and glare.

Conclusion

Keratoconus affects your cornea and your vision, but you do not have to stop wearing contact lenses because of this. You have several choices that can improve your vision and comfort.

Among these are specialty contact lenses, especially scleral lenses. They fit your eye shape perfectly and give you clear vision and comfort. However, they require proper fitting and care by an expert eye doctor. If you have keratoconus and want to try contact lenses, consult your eye doctor about your options.

For more information on contact lenses for Keratoconus patients, visit Everything Eyes at our Delray Beach, Florida office. Call (561) 499-2055 to schedule an appointment today.