If your view of the world seems blurred and colors don't look as sharp and vibrant as they should be, or if the simplest tasks become challenging for you, it may all be due to a progressive eye condition called keratoconus.
Fortunately, with early detection, scleral lenses and our expert guidance at Innovative Eyecare, Tukwila, we can slow down the progression of keratoconus and help you regain the visual quality you deserve.Now, let's dive into the world of keratoconus and discover how scleral lenses can give you crystal-clear vision, unparalleled comfort, and a renewed zest for life.
Understanding Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes thin and takes on a cone-like shape. This can lead to a range of symptoms and vision problems, including:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Halos around lights
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty driving at night
- Difficulty seeing in bright sunlight
In the early stages of keratoconus, patients may experience symptoms like blurred vision, light sensitivity, and occasional eye irritation. As the condition progresses, proper diagnosis becomes possible, and corneal cross-linking may be recommended. This is a procedure to strengthen the cornea and slow down progression.
In some cases, however, the symptoms of keratoconus may continue to worsen, despite efforts to slow down its progression, affecting daily life and overall quality of vision. This is where scleral lenses come into play.
Scleral Lenses: Transforming Keratoconus Care
When it comes to treating keratoconus, one option stands out from the rest: scleral lenses.
Scleral lenses offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond traditional contact lenses, ensuring your eyes receive the care and attention they deserve.
What sets scleral lenses apart is their remarkable comfort. Their larger size enables them to rest gently on the sclera, avoiding any direct contact with the sensitive cornea. This unique design creates a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, ensuring clear vision without discomfort. Scleral lenses are considered a game-changer for those who have struggled with traditional contact lenses in the past.
The Benefits of Scleral Lenses
1. Improved Vision
Scleral lenses provide a smooth and regular surface for light to focus on, compensating for the irregular shape of the cornea. This results in significantly improved vision for individuals with keratoconus.
2. Reduced Dryness and Irritation
The tear-filled reservoir beneath the lens acts as a protective barrier, reducing dryness and irritation commonly experienced with other types of contact lenses. Scleral lenses provide enhanced comfort throughout the day.
3. Customized Fit
Scleral lenses are custom-designed to fit each individual eye perfectly. This ensures optimal comfort and a secure fit, preventing shifting or popping out, even during active pursuits.
4. Correction of Astigmatism and Refractive Errors
In addition to addressing keratoconus, scleral lenses can correct astigmatism and higher levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness. This further enhances visual acuity and overall quality of life for individuals with these conditions.
Other Treatment Options for Keratoconus
While scleral lenses are a game-changer for many individuals with keratoconus, there are other treatment options available depending on the severity of your condition. Corneal cross-linking is a procedure that can slow down the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the collagen fibers in the cornea. In more advanced cases, corneal transplantation may be necessary to replace the damaged cornea with a healthy one from a donor.
Keratoconus Care in Tukwila
Don't let keratoconus hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. If you're experiencing any symptoms of keratoconus, it's time to take the first step towards clear vision. Contact our optometrist for a phone consult.
Combined with the transformative power of scleral lenses if needed, we can help you regain the visual quality you deserve. We’re proud to be serving the Renton, Tukwila, Kent, and Seattle communities.