What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea (the front surface of the eye) progressively bulges forward in a cone-like manner and becomes thinner. In a normal eye, the cornea is uniformly round and dome-like. Light can enter through the regular cornea and form a clear image in the eye. In an eye with keratoconus, the cornea is no longer round but becomes slightly cone-like. This subtle cone-like shape is usually off-center and results in irregular astigmatism. When light passes through the cornea of an eye with irregular astigmatism, it becomes distorted so that it no longer creates a clear image.

What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
Keratoconus symptoms usually begin during the teenage years. Common symptoms of mild keratoconus include:
  • Slightly blurred vision
  • Doubling or halos around images
  • Increased glare at night
  • Frequent increases in glasses prescriptions

However, this condition is progressive until ages 35-45. Patients with more advanced forms of keratoconus may experience additional symptoms, including significant visual blur and distortion, poor vision even with glasses, redness, and pain.

How do we treat keratoconus?

There is a wide range of treatments for keratoconus, depending on the severity of the condition.

Glasses or soft contact lenses

For very mild forms of keratoconus, a glasses prescription can correct the blurred images created by the distorted cornea. Soft contact lenses are also an option for mild forms of keratoconus and can provide clear and comfortable vision.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses

For patients with moderate to severe forms of keratoconus, glasses and soft contact lenses may not provide adequate vision correction. RGP lenses provide a round and regular surface that masks the protruding, cone-like shape of the keratoconic cornea. Doing so helps produce a clear image for the eye to see through. RGP lenses can be small and rest on the cornea. They can also be large and rest on the sclera; these types of lenses are called scleral lenses. Both can provide clear vision for patients with keratoconus.

Surgical treatments

There are also surgical treatments that treat keratoconus. Corneal Collagen cross-linking is a procedure that can help slow the progression of keratoconus. We typically recommend it at an earlier age so the cornea’s shape does not continue to worsen over time. Corneal transplants can also correct keratoconus by providing a regular, round cornea in place of the keratoconic cornea. However, due to the risks of surgery, it is recommended primarily for those with advanced forms of keratoconus.

Dr. Yang completed the Cornea and Contact Lens Residency at the SUNY College of Optometry and is highly experienced in fitting soft, RGP, and scleral contact lenses for our keratoconic patients. Our office will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment for you.

Ready to request an appointment?

Fill out the form and we will get back to you shortly!

    *We value your privacy and never share contact information outside of our office.

    What makes Better Vision New Jersey so exceptional?
    Read what our patients have to say.

    • James O’Gorman
      I had cataracts and after Dr. Calderone operated on my eyes, my vision is now 20/20. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. It’s a tremendously well-equipped practice in terms of the technology that’s used to take care of your eyes and the technical staff is also superb.
      James O’Gorman
    • Sherry Villa
      I have been a patient of Dr. Calderone’s for more than I can remember and I have always found the physicians and entire staff to be professional, caring and thorough in everything they do. All the physicians spend quality time with each patient to hear about their concerns or answer questions. I personally would highly recommend him to family and friends.
      Sherry Villa
    • Mary Hannibal
      I had originally gone to the practice for floaters in my eye and discovered that I had cataracts. I found everyone at Better Vision New Jersey—from the physicians to the staff—to be extremely kind and caring. I was very impressed with the quality of care I received and how well they not only treated me, but also my husband. Their facilities are state-of-the-art and they are absolute experts in their field.
      Mary Hannibal
     
    Read Testimonials
     

    CLICK ON OUR MAPS FOR DIRECTIONS TO OUR CRANFORD OFFICE

    Better Vision Cranford

     

    Better Vision Cranford