The Role of Specialty Lenses in Managing Keratoconus: What You Should Know

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular curvature leads to distorted and blurred vision that cannot be corrected by regular glasses alone. Fortunately, advances in specialty contact lens technology have made it possible for patients with keratoconus to achieve clear, comfortable vision and maintain their quality of life.
 

Understanding How Specialty Lenses Help

As keratoconus progresses, the cornea becomes increasingly irregular, making it difficult for standard soft contact lenses or glasses to properly focus light onto the retina. Specialty lenses are designed to create a smooth, even surface over the cornea, compensating for the distortion and improving visual clarity. These lenses not only enhance vision but also slow the progression of keratoconus by providing gentle, stabilizing support to the cornea in some cases.
 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are firm lenses that maintain their shape on the eye, allowing them to mask corneal irregularities. They provide crisp, stable vision and are often the first step when soft lenses are no longer effective.
 

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable center with a soft outer skirt. This design offers the sharp vision of an RGP lens with the comfort of a soft lens—an ideal solution for patients who find RGPs uncomfortable.
 

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) rather than the cornea. They vault over the corneal surface, creating a tear-filled reservoir that smooths out irregularities and keeps the eye hydrated. These are particularly beneficial for moderate to advanced keratoconus cases.
 

Benefits of Specialty Lenses

• Improved visual clarity - Correcting distortion and irregular astigmatism.

• Enhanced comfort - Especially with scleral and hybrid designs.

• Protection for the cornea - Acting as a barrier between the cornea and eyelid friction.

• Customization - Designed uniquely for each patient’s corneal shape and severity of keratoconus.
 

The Importance of Professional Fitting

Fitting specialty lenses for keratoconus requires expertise and precision. At Eye Care Center of North Jersey, we use diagnostic imaging and corneal mapping technology to design lenses tailored specifically to your eyes. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor changes in your cornea and ensure your lenses continue to provide optimal comfort and vision.
 

Find Your Perfect Lens Solution at Eye Care Center of North Jersey

Living with keratoconus no longer means settling for poor vision or discomfort. Thanks to advancements in specialty lens technology, patients have multiple effective options to restore clarity and improve quality of life.

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or are struggling with blurry or distorted vision, schedule an eye exam with Eye Care Center of North Jersey to find the best lens option for your needs. Visit our office in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, or call (908) 322-8040 to book an appointment today.