Vision Therapy in Providence

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(401) 331-2020

Understanding Keratoconus: A Vision Disorder

Your cornea, the clear, round, front surface of your eye, is the first ocular tissue that light passes through on its way to the retina. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin, steepen, and form an irregular cone-shape. This transformation causes light to focus on the retina incorrectly, which leads to distorted vision.

woman putting in contact


What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

There are two primary ways keratoconus affects your vision, and it shows up as:

  • Irregular Astigmatism: The cornea, which typically has a smooth spherical shape, undergoes a transformation into a cone-like structure. This alteration results in a wavy and uneven corneal surface, known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the front part of your eye expands, your vision becomes increasingly nearsighted. This means that you can only see objects clearly when they are up close (however in keratoconus, even objects at near may still appear distorted). Anything at a distance appears blurry.
  • Variable or quickly changing vision. The inability to achieve clear vision in glasses or soft contacts when it had been possible in the recent past.

Recognizing the signs of keratoconus is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Double or triple vision when using just one eye
  • Blurriness of objects both near and far
  • Perception of bright lights with halos around them
  • Presence of light streaks
  • The presence of ghost images
  • Persistent blurry vision that affects your ability to drive safely

adding contact drops

Causes and Risk Factors: Can it Damage Your Vision?

The precise cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Researchers believe that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

However, several factors have been associated with the development of keratoconus:

Family History: If a family member has been diagnosed with keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting the condition. If you have keratoconus, it is advisable to have your children's eyes examined for early signs, by the age of 10 at the latest. Early detection of keratoconus is crucial for successful management and prevention of severe disease.

Certain Medical Conditions: Research has indicated a correlation between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, retinitis pigmentosa, sleep apnea, Lebers congenital amaurosis, Marfan’s, and other connective tissue disorders.Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease have the potential to weaken the corneal tissue over time.

Eye Rubbing: Vigorous and persistent eye rubbing can lead to corneal damage. Excessive eye rubbing can accelerate its progression for individuals already diagnosed with keratoconus.


Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: The Game-Changer

Keratoconus presents a unique challenge when it comes to vision correction. Traditional gas permeable? contact lenses often prove ineffective as they cannot conform to the irregular corneal shape. This is where scleral lenses step in as an innovative solution.

Here are four compelling reasons to consider scleral lenses for keratoconus:

  • Enhanced Comfort

    Scleral lenses are larger in diameter compared to traditional rigid gas permeable contact lenses, spreading their weight across a broader, less sensitive area, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

  • Improved Vision

    Unlike glasses, which often offer limited visual improvement for keratoconus patients, scleral lenses can significantly enhance vision clarity and stability.

  • Constant Moisture

    Scleral lenses provide a continuous reservoir of moisture between the lens and the eye's surface, ensuring a soothing and moisture-rich environment for the eyes.

  • No More Eye Rubbing

    The design of scleral lenses minimizes the need for eye rubbing by reducing inciting factors of ocular surface and lid inflammation due to allergy response, reducing the risk of further corneal damage and discomfort.

Patient Reviews
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805 Reviews
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- Dec. 05, 2024
I appreciate the expertise of Dr. John Carrow. He is very thorough and answers all my questions. Sta... ff is top notch.
- Nov. 23, 2024
This was my very first time here. I had a great experience getting assistance after I had gotten int... o a workplace accident that affected my eyes. I walked in, got signed up, made an appointment, and then I was seen relatively shortly after. The front desk staff were so kind to me and the doctor, Chad, is a wicked cool guy and was able assess what was going on with my eyes efficiently.
- Nov. 05, 2024
Just recently started seeing Dr. Sylvia after years of seeing a different doctor there who had left.... I actually followed that dr to his new location but felt he changed and i was not happy so i came back to AEC. Glad I did! Dr. Sylvia os great! He is knowledgeable, patient, and even a little comical. I'm glad I came back to AEC.
- Oct. 29, 2024
Great experience. Smooth , timely, organized
- Jul. 26, 2024
The eye doctors are awesome there staff needs to be completely fired or retrained
- Jul. 20, 2024
Excellent service, wonderful people there😄
- Jul. 11, 2024
The doctor is the best
- Jul. 09, 2024
Very caring and professional staff.
- Jul. 02, 2024
All of my questions were answered, and I didn't feel rushed.
- Jul. 01, 2024
I have a wonderful experience since day one in Advance Eye Care .Me and my family come here for over... 2 years now ,I highly recommend this place .
- Jun. 20, 2024
Five stars!! From the front desk staff to the doctor, the people make it well worthwhile. A stellar ... experience all around!
- Jun. 14, 2024
I been seeing dr cox for years I even transferred my 10 year old son to see him. I have never had an... y issues with him he’s very nice. The only problem I have had with advanced is my last visit I waited over a hour past my time to get seen and I can never get a hold of the eye glass part about my glasses
- Jun. 11, 2024
Dr. Abdoulaye Wann is highly thoughtful and professional. He clearly explained all the procedures an... d answered all of my questions with great care. He is an excellent optometrist!
- May. 20, 2024
Nice and satisfying
- May. 11, 2024
Great an amazing experience.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Great
- Apr. 17, 2024
Wonderful place, nice people, superior service.
- Apr. 12, 2024
Excellent quality service 💯 percent
- Mar. 25, 2024
Everyone is very friendly. Got seen very quickly.
- Mar. 05, 2024
Dr. Wanna and his crew are the best,! Always friendly and professional. Highly recommended!!!

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Scleral Lenses in Providence

Our optometry practice in Providence

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  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Advanced Eye Care Associates

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide life-changing improvement in vision clarity and comfort for those battling keratoconus.If you or a loved one has keratoconus and would like to explore the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with Advanced Eye Care Associates today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(401) 331-2020