Glasses and soft contact lenses are often the first line of defence when it comes to treating keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape. While keratoconus may seem daunting, the team at Khanna Vision Institute is here to guide you through the available treatment options, starting with the basics: glasses and soft contact lenses.
Glasses can provide a simple and effective solution for mild cases of keratoconus, helping to correct the distorted vision caused by the irregular corneal shape. Soft contact lenses are another viable option, as they can help to mask the effects of the condition and provide clearer, more comfortable vision.
Glasses
Purpose:
Glasses can correct mild refractive errors caused by keratoconus, such as myopia (near-sightedness) and astigmatism.
How it works:
Refraction Correction: Glasses work by bending (refracting) light rays to focus them correctly on the retina, thereby improving vision.
Astigmatism Correction: Special lenses, like Toric lenses, can correct astigmatism, a common issue in keratoconus where the cornea has an irregular shape.
Limitations:
Glasses are generally less effective as keratoconus progresses and the corneal irregularity increases.
They may not provide adequate visual correction in more advanced stages of keratoconus due to significant corneal distortion.
Soft Contact Lenses
Purpose:
Soft contact lenses are designed to fit comfortably on the eye and correct refractive errors. They can be used in the early stages of keratoconus when the corneal shape is not excessively irregular.
How it works:
Standard Soft Lenses: These are similar to regular contact lenses used by people without keratoconus. They provide a uniform refractive surface that helps correct vision.
Toric Soft Lenses: These lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, which is prevalent in keratoconus patients. It having different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct the uneven curvature of the cornea.
Advantages:
Comfortable to wear compared to rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
Suitable for patients who cannot tolerate RGP lenses.
Limitations:
May not provide sufficient visual correction for moderate to severe keratoconus.
Soft lenses do not mask the irregular corneal surface as effectively as other lens types (e.g., RGP or hybrid lenses).
Potential for lens movement on the irregular corneal surface, leading to fluctuating vision.
General Considerations:
Regular Monitoring: Patients with keratoconus should have regular eye examinations to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust the prescription of glasses or lenses accordingly.
Customized Fittings: Both glasses and soft contact lenses should be custom-fitted by an eye care professional to ensure optimal vision correction and comfort.
Alternative Options: As keratoconus progresses, other non-surgical options like RGP lenses, scleral lenses, or hybrid lenses might be necessary. These lenses provide better visual acuity by creating a smooth refractive surface over the irregular cornea.
It’s important to work closely with your eye care professional to determine the best course of treatment for your unique needs. At Khanna Vision Institute, our team of experts will work with you to explore the full range of keratoconus treatment solutions, ensuring that you have the support and guidance you need to manage this condition and maintain your vision.
Don’t let keratoconus hold you back. Take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision by exploring the benefits of glasses and soft contact lenses. Contact Khanna Vision Institute today to learn more.