Contact Lenses for Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) becomes thin and cone-shaped causing visual distortion. The condition often presents in adolescent years with one eye typically worse than the other eye. Keratoconus may run in families and environmental factors may impact on its onset.
Our optometrists are trained to fit a range of specialised contact lenses used specifically for keratoconus patients.
Keratoconus Lenses
If you are struggling with keratoconus, then you are likely to need an alternative to standard soft contact lenses. While soft lenses can provide comfort and good vision for people with a wide range of vision impairments, they are not ideal for keratoconus. In keratoconus, corneas become distorted and develop a cone-like shape. This conical shape affects how the cornea refracts light, which can result in blurred or distorted vision. Regular soft contacts sit on the corneal surface itself and corneal irregularities make it difficult to achieve optimal fit and adequate vision correction for keratoconus patients. If you have keratoconus, other options such as specialised contact lenses for keratoconus can deliver a far better correction for your vision.
Types of Keratoconus Contacts
Soft contact lenses – Soft contact lenses are not a typical choice for keratoconus patients. However, people who find it difficult to tolerate “hard” contact lenses may be able to achieve adequate vision in custom soft lenses. These lenses offer a compromise between comfort and optimal vision.
Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses – help protect the health of your eyes by allowing them to “breathe.” RGP lenses offer excellent vision correction. RGP lenses provide significantly better vision correction, however, they don’t mould to the shape of your eye the way soft lenses do.
Scleral contact lenses – provide clear vision and good comfort. They are designed with a “dome” or reservoir that floats above the eye’s surface. Scleral contacts replace the distorted shape of the cornea with a regular lens surface.
Piggyback contact lenses – these may be an option and involve wearing a soft contact lens on the eye and a rigid gas-permeable lens placed on top of it. This combination provides the sharp vision of an RGP lens along with the comfort of a soft lens. In this case, the soft lens underneath acts as a cushion and a shield for the surface of the eye.
How Long Do Keratoconus Lenses Last?
Patients can expect their rigid gas permeable lenses to last between 1 and 2 years. The longevity of your lenses depends on a range of factors, such as lens handling and cleaning.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition and no two patients are exactly the same. The best way to find your ideal keratoconus lens option is to consult with our experienced optometrists. We have a background in specialty lenses and can help you make the right decision for your vision correction. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.