Keratoconus
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Vision and Ortho-K Center
Curtis Frank, OD
Optometry & Specialty Contact Lens Practice located in Boston, MA
Keratoconus is a corneal condition in which your eye bulges outward and distorts your vision. At Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston, Massachusetts, Curtis Frank, OD, is a highly-skilled optometrist with more than 30 years of experience and special training in the treatment of corneal diseases such as keratoconus. He uses the latest diagnostic technology and most advanced treatment options to correct vision problems that occur from keratoconus. Dr. Frank is an expert at fitting you for rigid gas-permeable contacts and scleral lenses, too. Contact the office by phone or online to schedule an exam.
Keratoconus Q & A
What is keratoconus?
Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the front of your eye. When this dome thins out and bulges into a cone shape, it often leads to blurred vision and sensitivity to light. This condition, called keratoconus, usually affects both eyes and occurs when you’re 10-25 years old.
Keratoconus can progress quite slowly for 10 years or more. In the early stages of the condition, glasses and contacts can compensate for your vision problems, but as keratoconus progresses, you need rigid gas-permeable or specialized scleral contact lenses.
What causes keratoconus?
Keratoconus may be genetic, but it isn’t always clear why some people develop the condition. Keratoconus is also associated with eye allergies and excessive eye rubbing. Corneal tissue can weaken from an imbalance of enzymes, making it more susceptible to damage, causing it to bulge forward.
What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
You might experience different vision issues in both eyes when you have keratoconus. Early symptoms may include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and distorted vision. Sometimes straight lines look wavy.
As keratoconus progresses, you may find that you need to update your glasses or contact lens prescription more frequently. And your soft contacts may no longer fit properly or feel comfortable because of your bulging corneas.
What is the treatment for keratoconus?
There are several options for treating and stabilizing keratoconus, including:
- Glasses or soft contacts during the early stages
- Custom-fit hard contacts
- Piggyback lenses (a hard lens on top of a soft contact)
- Hybrid lenses
- Scleral contacts
Large-diameter contact lenses, called scleral contacts, can help you see clearly while not resting on bulging corneal tissue. This makes the lenses more comfortable to wear since they sit on the white part (the scleral) of your eye, floating over the corneal tissue. If keratoconus progresses to a severe state, surgery involving corneal inserts or a corneal transplant may be another option.
If you have signs of keratoconus or you’re having trouble wearing contacts, call Vision and Ortho-K Center to discover the latest treatments, specialty lenses, and vision correction options for your individual needs. You can also book an appointment online.
