Best Contact Lens for Keratoconus
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disorder in which the cornea gradually thins and weakens, causing it to bulge outward into a cone shape. This irregular shape distorts light entering the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. It typically begins in the teenage years or early twenties and can progress over time. Genetics, environmental factors, and excessive eye rubbing are among the potential contributing factors to keratoconus.
Purpose of wearing contact lenses for keratoconus patients
Contact lenses are often recommended for keratoconus patients to correct vision and reduce visual distortions. Unlike glasses, which sit further from the eye, contact lenses provide a more stable correction by resting directly on the eye, allowing them to compensate better for the irregularities in the corneal shape. The primary goals of contact lens wear for keratoconus patients are to:
- Improve vision
- Provide comfort without compromising the cornea.
- Allow for better control of vision changes as keratoconus progresses.
Different Contact Lenses Keratoconus Patients can wear
There are several types of contact lenses available to manage this condition, each with unique benefits. The following are common options for different levels of keratoconus severity:
- Soft Contact Lens
- Rigid Permeable (RGP) Contact Lens
- Scleral Lens
1. Soft Contact Lens
Those with early or mild keratoconus may be able to wear commercially available soft contact lenses. However, even though it’s comfortable, they might not be able to adequately correct vision as keratoconus advances.
2. Rigid Permeable Contact Lens (RGP)
RGP lenses are firm, allowing them to create a smoother surface over the irregular cornea, which can improve vision for mild to moderate keratoconus. However, RGP lenses are smaller and rest directly on the cornea, which can cause discomfort over time, particularly as keratoconus progresses.
3. Scleral Lens
Scleral lenses are often the best choice for moderate to severe keratoconus patients.
A Scleral Lens is a large-diameter, rigid contact lens designed to completely vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye.
This design provides multiple advantages for keratoconus patients such as:
a. Better Vision Correction:
- Scleral lenses create a smooth, even surface that effectively corrects the distorted vision caused by keratoconus.
b. Enhanced Comfort:
- Since scleral lenses rest on the sclera (white part of the eye) instead of the cornea, they are more comfortable for patients, particularly those with advanced keratoconus or highly sensitive corneas.
c. Stable:
- Due to their large size and secure fit, scleral lenses are less likely to shift or fall out, providing reliable vision correction throughout the day.
d. Hydration:
- The space between the cornea and scleral lens can hold a layer of saline solution, providing continuous hydration. This helps prevent dryness and adds a cushion of comfort, which is especially beneficial for patients with dry eye issues.
Which is the Best Contact Lens for Keratoconus?
For most keratoconus patients, especially those with moderate and advanced stages, Scleral Lenses are often the best contact lens option.
For these patients, soft contact lenses and RGP lenses will most likely not provide sufficient vision correction and can even cause discomfort. This is because soft lenses conform to the cornea’s irregular shape rather than correcting it, while RGP lenses, though rigid, may not fit comfortably on the highly distorted cornea, causing irritation.
Unlike RGP and soft lenses, scleral lenses are large in diameter, vaulting over the entire cornea and resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye).
Scleral lenses offer a unique combination of clear vision, comfort, and stability that other lenses cannot match. Their large size allows them to completely vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, avoiding direct contact with the sensitive corneal tissue. This design not only enhances comfort but also creates a smooth, regular surface over the eye, significantly improving vision by masking the irregularities of the keratoconic cornea.
Moreover, the space between the cornea and the scleral lens fills with saline solution, providing continuous hydration, which can relieve symptoms of dry eye—a common issue for keratoconus patients. The secure fit of scleral lenses also minimizes the risk of lens displacement, ensuring consistent vision correction throughout the day. For these reasons, scleral lenses are widely regarded as the top choice for keratoconus patients who require effective, comfortable, and reliable vision correction.
Additionally, scleral lenses may delay or even avoid surgical intervention, with a study showing the majoirty of participants who would have otherwise undergone corneal transplant surgery were successfully treated with long-term scleral lens wear.
Scleral lenses @ Evershine Optical
At Evershine Optical, we provide scleral lenses for various eye conditions. While commonly used for patients with Keratoconus, Scleral lenses can also benefit individuals with high astigmatism individuals or with post LASIK complications, such as blurry vision caused by irregular cornea, which may not be fully corrected with glasses or standard contact lenses. Our optometrists perform comprehensive eye examinations and scleral lens trial fitting to ensure the best fit and comfort for you. Whether you’re managing an eye condition eg, Keratoconus, or need a solution for a clearer vision, scleral lens could be the ideal choice for you. Book an appointment or whatsapp us for a consultation!
References:
- Find The Right Fit For Keratoconus. Review of Cornea & Contact Lenses