Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. As the cornea becomes irregular, vision can become increasingly distorted, making everyday tasks like driving, reading, or working on a computer more difficult. While glasses may help in the earliest stages, most patients eventually require specialized contact lenses for clearer, more stable vision.
Why Standard Contacts Often Don’t Work for Keratoconus
Soft contact lenses and standard rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are typically designed for regular, symmetrical corneas. Keratoconus creates an uneven corneal surface, which can cause these lenses to shift, feel uncomfortable, or fail to correct vision adequately.
Common challenges with traditional lenses include:
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Lens movement or dislodging
Discomfort or irritation
Poor fit over the irregular corneal shape
This is why more advanced lens designs are often needed for keratoconus management.
Scleral Lenses: The Gold Standard for Keratoconus
Scleral lenses are widely considered the most effective contact lens option for moderate to advanced keratoconus. Unlike traditional lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are larger in diameter and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), vaulting completely over the cornea.
Key Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Clearer Vision: Scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface by holding a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea. This neutralizes corneal irregularities and significantly improves visual clarity.
Enhanced Comfort: Because scleral lenses do not touch the sensitive corneal surface, many patients find them more comfortable than smaller rigid lenses, even with long hours of wear.
Improved Eye Health: The fluid reservoir keeps the eye continuously hydrated, which is especially beneficial for patients who also experience dry eye symptoms.
Stable, Secure Fit: Their larger size makes scleral lenses far less likely to shift or pop out, providing consistent vision throughout the day.
The Importance of a Custom Fitting
Scleral lenses are not one-size-fits-all. Proper fitting requires advanced diagnostic technology and expertise in managing corneal irregularities. A detailed evaluation ensures the lens vaults the cornea correctly, maintains healthy oxygen flow, and delivers optimal vision. At Specialty Eye, scleral lens fittings are customized to each patient’s unique eye shape and condition, ensuring both comfort and clarity.
Find Out If Scleral Lenses Are Right for You
For most patients with keratoconus, scleral lenses offer the best combination of vision correction, comfort, and eye health. Their ability to vault over the irregular cornea and provide a stable, hydrated environment makes them the preferred choice for managing this condition.
If you have keratoconus, schedule a consultation at Specialty Eye to find out if scleral lenses are the right solution for you. Contact our offices in Kirkland or Bellevue, Washington, visit our website, call (425) 821-8900, (425) 800-5240, or (425) 454-2028 to book an appointment today.
