Corneal Health • Keratoconus • Specialty Lenses
What Is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, distorting vision in ways that standard glasses often cannot fully correct.
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. In keratoconus, the structural collagen fibers that give the cornea its shape weaken over time, causing it to gradually thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular curvature distorts light as it enters the eye, resulting in blurred and distorted vision.
At Upper West Optical, we are experienced in fitting specialty lenses for patients with keratoconus, helping them achieve the clearest and most comfortable vision possible at every stage of the condition.
Who Gets Keratoconus?
Age of Onset
Keratoconus typically appears in the late teens or early twenties and may progress through the thirties before stabilizing. It is rarely diagnosed in children or older adults.
Genetic Link
A family history of keratoconus increases the risk of developing the condition. Approximately one in ten people with keratoconus has a parent who also has it.
Eye Rubbing
Chronic, vigorous eye rubbing is strongly associated with keratoconus progression. People with allergies who frequently rub their eyes are at increased risk of accelerating corneal thinning.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
Distorted Vision
Images may appear stretched, doubled, or wavy, particularly in one eye. Straight lines may look bent or irregular, a phenomenon caused by the irregular corneal surface.
Light Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare is common, along with halos and streaking around light sources, especially at night when the pupil is more dilated.
Frequent Prescription Changes
Rapidly changing glasses or contact lens prescriptions, particularly with increasing astigmatism that does not stabilize, can be an early sign of keratoconus development.
Treatment Options for Keratoconus
- Glasses or soft contact lenses for mild early-stage cases
- Rigid gas-permeable lenses that vault over the irregular cornea for clearer vision
- Scleral lenses that rest on the white of the eye and create a smooth optical surface
- Hybrid lenses combining a rigid center with a soft outer skirt for added comfort
- Corneal cross-linking to halt progression by strengthening corneal collagen bonds
- Corneal transplant surgery for advanced cases where other options no longer suffice
Why Scleral Lenses Are a Game Changer
Smooth Optical Surface
Scleral lenses vault entirely over the irregular cornea and fill the space with a tear fluid reservoir, creating a perfectly smooth refracting surface that corrects distortion effectively.
All-Day Comfort
Because scleral lenses do not touch the sensitive cornea and maintain constant moisture, many keratoconus patients find them significantly more comfortable than other lens types.
Improved Quality of Life
For many patients, scleral lenses restore functional vision that allows them to work, drive, and perform daily activities that become difficult or impossible with glasses alone.
Living Well With Keratoconus
A keratoconus diagnosis is not the end of clear vision. With the right specialty lens fitting and regular monitoring, most patients can maintain good functional vision throughout their lives. The key is working with an eye care provider experienced in managing the condition.
At Upper West Optical, we provide comprehensive keratoconus consultations and specialty lens fittings. If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or suspect you may have it, we encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can help you find the best path forward.
Schedule Your Keratoconus Consultation
If you are experiencing distorted vision, frequent prescription changes, or have been diagnosed with keratoconus, Upper West Optical can help. Schedule your specialty lens consultation today.
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