Keratoconus | San Jose | BH Eye Care Optometry

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—gradually thins and bulges outward, often taking on a cone-like shape. This distortion of the cornea can significantly impact vision.

Symptoms of keratoconus often include:

Itchy eyes
Sensitivity to light and glare
Blurry, distorted, or double-vision
Eye redness or swelling

If your keratoconus worsens, it can cause eye pain and serious vision problems, so we offer scleral lenses as a treatment option. During a comprehensive eye exam, we can determine whether scleral lenses are the right option for you.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of keratoconus, schedule an appointment with us today!

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Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Traditional contact lenses rest directly on the eye and can be uncomfortable and ineffective for eyes with keratoconus.

Scleral lenses can offer a better solution. These large lenses sit on the white of the eye, called the sclera, vaulting over the cornea and providing greater comfort and stability. They create a smooth, even surface over the cornea and can improve vision, reduce glare and halos, and protect the eye from irritation. They also contain a fluid reservoir that helps keep the eye’s surface comfortable and healthy.

Scleral Lens Fitting Process

The scleral lens fitting involves several steps to ensure your lenses fit well and are comfortable.

We begin with a comprehensive consultation to assess your eye health and discuss your expectations. Following this, we take precise eye measurements to create a customized lens, which we then carefully fit and adjust during follow-up appointments.

Proper lens care is crucial for maintaining eye health, so we’ll provide detailed instructions to support your success.

Caring for Your Scleral Lenses

It can take some time to get used to scleral lenses. We will help you learn how to insert and remove them properly, as well as how to care for them. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Gently clean your lenses daily with a cleaning solution recommended by your eye care professional. Avoid using harsh chemicals, soaps, water, or saliva.
Peroxide solutions are commonly used for disinfecting scleral lenses. Follow the instructions carefully, including the neutralization time.
Always rinse your lenses thoroughly with sterile saline solution before inserting them.
Store your lenses in a clean, dedicated lens case filled with a preservative-free contact lens solution.
Replace your lens case regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Regularly scheduled eye exams are crucial for monitoring your eye health and lens fit.

Improper care of your scleral lenses can lead to discomfort, irritation, and eye infections. If you experience any issues while wearing your lenses, please contact our office immediately for guidance.