Keratoconus Treatment at Downey Eye Care
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye, thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This deformation distorts the light entering the eye, leading to vision problems such as blurry or distorted vision, glare, and frequent changes in prescription glasses or contacts.
This condition usually begins during the teenage years or early 20s, often progressing slowly over several years. While keratoconus can be a challenging condition to manage, modern advancements in treatment options can help patients maintain good vision and quality of life.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Common signs and symptoms of keratoconus include:
- Blurry or distorted vision even with updated glasses
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eye irritation or redness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
Keratoconus Treatment Options
At Downey Eye Care, we offer a range of treatment options to help manage keratoconus and improve vision. The right treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and your specific needs.
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses – In the early stages of keratoconus, many patients can still achieve functional vision with eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. However, as the condition progresses, these may become less effective, requiring stronger corrective options.
- Corneal Cross-Linking Referrals – Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the corneal tissue and slow the progression of keratoconus. It involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops to the cornea and then activating them with ultraviolet (UV) light to enhance the cornea’s rigidity.
- Intacs® Referrals – Intacs® are small, ring-shaped inserts surgically placed in the cornea to help reshape the cornea and improve vision. This treatment can help stabilize keratoconus in some patients, especially when glasses or contact lenses are no longer effective.
- Corneal Transplant Surgery Referrals – In cases of advanced keratoconus where other treatments are not effective, a corneal transplant may be necessary. This procedure involves replacing the damaged cornea with a donor cornea to restore clear vision.
Fitting Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus
Scleral lenses are a specialized type of contact lens that can be an excellent option for patients with keratoconus. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses are larger and vault over the cornea, resting on the white part of the eye (the sclera). This design helps to provide a smooth surface over the irregularly shaped cornea, correcting vision distortions caused by keratoconus. Often times, managed vision care plans (MVCP) will cover medically necessary contact lenses (Scleral lenses). Check with your vision plan to find out if they provide that benefit.
Why Choose Scleral Lenses?
- Improved Comfort – The design of scleral lenses allows them to sit comfortably over the cornea, providing a more stable and comfortable fit for people with irregular corneal shapes.
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Better Vision –
Scleral lenses can correct the vision distortions caused by
keratoconus by creating a smooth surface over the cornea, allowing light to enter the eye more uniformly. - Enhanced Stability – Scleral lenses do not shift as much as traditional soft contact lenses, providing better vision consistency throughout the day.
Fitting Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus
- Topography/Anterior Segment OCT – Mapping the surface of your cornea to determine the degree of irregularity.
- Custom Measurements – Taking precise measurements to ensure the lenses fit your eye comfortably and provide the best vision.
- Trial Lenses – We’ll provide trial lenses to ensure the fit and comfort are optimal before finalizing your prescription.
Dr. Downey specializes in keratoconus care and is skilled at fitting scleral lenses to give you clear, stable vision. If you’re interested in learning more about how scleral lenses can help manage keratoconus, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Downey Eye Care?
At Downey Eye Care, we are dedicated to providing personalized care for patients with keratoconus. We work with you to find the best treatment options, whether it’s corneal cross-linking, scleral lenses, or other management strategies. Our team is here to help you navigate the challenges of keratoconus and restore your vision to its fullest potential.