If you or someone you care about has keratoconus, you know how frustrating it can be to depend on regular glasses. Even after trying different lenses at the eye clinic, words may still appear blurry, doubled, or unclear.
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea becomes thinner and starts to bulge outward. Instead of staying round and smooth, the cornea forms a cone-like shape. Regular glasses and soft contact lenses cannot fit this uneven surface well, so light scatters before it reaches the retina.
The good news is that a keratoconus diagnosis does not mean you have to accept poor vision. Today’s specialty contact lenses, fitted by an experienced optometrist, can help you see clearly and comfortably again.
With guidance from Dr. Mark Paroli, a specialist in custom lens fittings, let’s look at three advanced contact lens options that can improve vision for people with keratoconus.
1. Corneal Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Corneal RGP lenses are sturdy, firm contacts that sit directly on the cornea. Unlike soft lenses that conform to the eye’s surface, RGP lenses keep their round shape.
How They Work: An RGP lens sits on top of the cornea. Natural tears fill the small space between the lens and the uneven cornea, creating a thin fluid layer. This layer smooths out the surface, helping light focus properly.
Best For: People with mild to early-moderate keratoconus, especially if the cone is centered and the eyes can handle contact lenses well.
2. Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral lenses are a major advance in specialty contact lens design. These large, rigid lenses arch over the entire cornea.
How They Work: Unlike traditional lenses, scleral lenses do not touch the sensitive, cone-shaped cornea. Instead, they rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera, which is less sensitive. A space between the lens and your cornea is filled with a sterile, non-preserved saline fluid reservoir. This fluid continuously bathes the cornea, smoothing optical distortions to produce sharp 20/20 clarity while providing continuous hydration for individuals who also struggle with severe dry eyes.
Best For: People with moderate to advanced keratoconus, very irregular or off-center cones, sensitive eyes, or those who find smaller RGP lenses uncomfortable.
3. Custom Soft & Hybrid Contact Lenses
If rigid lenses are hard to get used to, custom soft and hybrid lenses offer a more comfortable option.
Custom Soft Keratoconus Lenses: These lenses are thicker in the center than regular soft contacts. The extra thickness helps them keep their shape over the cornea, reducing minor distortions while staying comfortable.
Hybrid Contact Lenses: These lenses have a rigid center for clear vision and a soft outer ring for comfort and stability.
Best For: People with early-stage keratoconus, those who are active or play sports and need stable lenses, and anyone who prefers the comfort of soft lenses.
Consult an Optometrist for Specialty Contact Lens Fitting
Since keratoconus affects each eye differently, everyone’s cornea has a unique shape. For clear, stable vision, you need a thorough eye exam, detailed imaging, and a lens custom-made for you.
Don’t let keratoconus stop you from seeing life clearly. Talk to Dr. Mark Paroli to find the best specialty or scleral lens for your needs.
Book Online: Make an appointment with Dr. Mark Paroli today
References
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Wagner, H., Barr, J. T., & Zadnik, K. (2007). Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study: Methods and findings to date. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 30(4), 223–232.
van der Worp, E., Bornman, D., Ferreira, D. L., Fadel, D., Shen, L., & Michaud, L. (2014). Modern scleral contact lenses: A review. Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 37(4), 240–250.
Koppen, C., Kreps, E. O., Anthonissen, L., Van Hoey, M., Dhubhghaill, S. N., & Vermeulen, L. (2018). Scleral lenses reduce the need for corneal transplants in severe keratoconus. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 185, 43–47.
Hashemi, H., Heydarian, S., Hooshmand, E., Saatchi, M., Yekta, A., Aghamirsalim, M., Valadkhan, M., Mortazavi, M., Hashemi, A., & Khabazkhoob, M. (2020). The characteristics and outcomes of hybrid contact lens fitting in keratoconus: A syst