This condition is characterized by the resulting cone shape of the cornea. The cornea begins to thin, making it weaker. Because of the weakened state, it begins to bulge outward in a cone-shape. This distorts vision and causes sensitivity to light. It usually begins between ages 10 and 25, gradually progressing over several years. For most, the progression will stabilize after a decade or two.
Tests for keratoconus include a slit-lamp exam, corneal mapping, and optical coherence tomography. These are all standard with a comprehensive adult eye exam. To investigate your corneal shape further, we can employ keratometry to assess the curve of your cornea.
The most significant sign is the irregular shape of the cornea, however, this may be hard to detect as it slowly progresses.
While the actual cause of keratoconus is unknown, there are a few risk factors that are correlated with this condition:
Scleral lenses are a type of gas permeable (GP) lenses, which are larger than typical contact lenses. They fit over the cornea and the sclera (the white part of your eye). Most contact lenses rest directly on the cornea (that’s the contact part of contact lenses), but scleral lenses rise up through the center and do not touch the sensitive cornea. With a proper fitting by an optometrist, scleral lenses are a much more comfortable option for keratoconus while providing very clear vision.
Inserting and removing your scleral lenses can be trickier than typical contacts due to their larger size. At Look Optometry, we ensure you feel comfortable inserting and removing your scleral lenses before you leave your fitting. We have included a brief step-by-step guide here to help you practice at home.
Inserting Scleral Lenses:
Removing Scleral Lenses:
Located in the Heart of Surrey, along King George Boulevard, we welcome anyone in the Langley, Delta, Cloverfield and Surrey area to come visit.
|Monday:||10:00 AM - 6:00 PM|
|Tuesday:||10:00 AM - 6:00 PM|
|Wednesday:||10:00 AM - 5:00 PM|
|Thursday:||11:00 AM - 7:00 PM|
|Friday:||10:00 AM - 6:00 PM|
|Saturday:||10:00 AM - 4:00 PM|
Appointments available outside normal
business hours by request.