Vision Therapy in Toledo

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(419) 843-2020

Understanding Keratoconus: A Vision Disorder

Your cornea, the clear, round, front surface of your eye, is the first ocular tissue that light passes through on its way to the retina. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin, steepen, and form an irregular cone-shape. This transformation causes light to focus on the retina incorrectly, which leads to distorted vision.

woman putting in contact


What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

There are two primary ways keratoconus affects your vision, and it shows up as:

  • Irregular Astigmatism: The cornea, which typically has a smooth spherical shape, undergoes a transformation into a cone-like structure. This alteration results in a wavy and uneven corneal surface, known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the front part of your eye expands, your vision becomes increasingly nearsighted. This means that you can only see objects clearly when they are up close (however in keratoconus, even objects at near may still appear distorted). Anything at a distance appears blurry.
  • Variable or quickly changing vision. The inability to achieve clear vision in glasses or soft contacts when it had been possible in the recent past.

Recognizing the signs of keratoconus is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Double or triple vision when using just one eye
  • Blurriness of objects both near and far
  • Perception of bright lights with halos around them
  • Presence of light streaks
  • The presence of ghost images
  • Persistent blurry vision that affects your ability to drive safely

adding contact drops

Causes and Risk Factors: Can it Damage Your Vision?

The precise cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Researchers believe that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

However, several factors have been associated with the development of keratoconus:

Family History: If a family member has been diagnosed with keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting the condition. If you have keratoconus, it is advisable to have your children's eyes examined for early signs, by the age of 10 at the latest. Early detection of keratoconus is crucial for successful management and prevention of severe disease.

Certain Medical Conditions: Research has indicated a correlation between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, retinitis pigmentosa, sleep apnea, Lebers congenital amaurosis, Marfan’s, and other connective tissue disorders.Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease have the potential to weaken the corneal tissue over time.

Eye Rubbing: Vigorous and persistent eye rubbing can lead to corneal damage. Excessive eye rubbing can accelerate its progression for individuals already diagnosed with keratoconus.


Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: The Game-Changer

Keratoconus presents a unique challenge when it comes to vision correction. Traditional gas permeable? contact lenses often prove ineffective as they cannot conform to the irregular corneal shape. This is where scleral lenses step in as an innovative solution.

Here are four compelling reasons to consider scleral lenses for keratoconus:

  • Enhanced Comfort

    Scleral lenses are larger in diameter compared to traditional rigid gas permeable contact lenses, spreading their weight across a broader, less sensitive area, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

  • Improved Vision

    Unlike glasses, which often offer limited visual improvement for keratoconus patients, scleral lenses can significantly enhance vision clarity and stability.

  • Constant Moisture

    Scleral lenses provide a continuous reservoir of moisture between the lens and the eye's surface, ensuring a soothing and moisture-rich environment for the eyes.

  • No More Eye Rubbing

    The design of scleral lenses minimizes the need for eye rubbing by reducing inciting factors of ocular surface and lid inflammation due to allergy response, reducing the risk of further corneal damage and discomfort.

Patient Reviews
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478 Reviews
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- Dec. 06, 2023
Dr. K is the best eye doctor I've seen in years! He was professional, funny, and addressed my concer... ns! Casey W. at the front desk was also wonderful, personable, and extremely knowledgeable about insurances which was a big help! Being able to schedule online is also easy and convenient!!!
- Feb. 15, 2023
I would like to share my wonderful experience with Eye Care Specialties on1/13/2023. I had my eyes c... hecked and needed new glasses and I received excellent service from Rachel Conger, who helped me find just the best frames for me and the lenses that I needed to suit my needs.. She is very knowledgeable about all her products and your services and very friendly and always willing and goes above and beyond to help me when I need help every time I stop by with a problem.. I have been a long time customer from here and have always been very satisfied with all your products and services… I would like to give Rachel a10+ on your scale of services because she is always willing to give 110% Thanks to all your great staff for their great work!!! 👍👍
- Sep. 22, 2021
A very professional team that provides excellent service.
- Sep. 11, 2021
Wendy the optician couldn't have been more helpful in making sure my lens script was right on the ma... rk. Just great! Doctor K always takes time to communicate well and provides a thoughtful and thorough examination. Very straight forward with listening and feedback!
- Sep. 11, 2021
Very nice staff; always helpful.
- Aug. 18, 2021
Would highly recommend! Dr. Kylee Kleppinger is knowledgeable & puts your needs as her highest prior... ity. All of the staff is friendly - from the front desk to the assistant that helps pick out your frames. They made the process as easy as can be!
- Aug. 14, 2021
Wonderful staff!
- Aug. 11, 2021
I have been going here for years and always get good service and attention from the staff here.
- Jul. 16, 2021
My 11 year old son loves the glasses he ordered. It was an awesome experience!
- Jul. 13, 2021
Very friendly service and excellent staff. Got everything taken care of right to the point and the p... atients comfort is their true number one concern. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing eye work taken care of.
- Jun. 30, 2021
Absolutely an amazing experience the quality of staff to the quality of vision I have in the end I c... an't say enough for what happened there feeling pretty amazing that there's still good companies and employees that enjoy what they do and make their customers feel as good as they should thank you all for the enjoyable experience and the impeccable vision on the first shot mind you I don't think it could be any better congrats on that I'm kind of a pickier person I don't normally do reviews so if you're all listening to my rambling these guys are where you need to go for a life changing experience from what you thought you could see to what you can actually see
- Jun. 19, 2021
Excellent service, clean facilities, unrushed and care.
- May. 19, 2021
Staff are always friendly and super helpful! They also have a great variety of frames to pick from i... n all price ranges!
- May. 12, 2021
Friendly and knowledgeable staff!
- May. 09, 2021
Everybody were so nice & I felt very comfortable,
- May. 07, 2021
They are great! Punctual, mindful, caring and listen to what I have to say! The staff was friendly a... nd the office was CLEAN.
- Apr. 29, 2021
Friendly staff
- Apr. 24, 2021
The entire staff were time-efficient, capable, friendly, and helpful. The team at Pinnacle makes ge... tting and eye exam and new glasses easy and a positive experience.
- Apr. 15, 2021
Everyone was very welcoming and they all did a thorough exam. Glasses are very pricey though.
- Apr. 13, 2021
Very friendly, professional, I have faith in Dr. K and the entire staff.

View All 478 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Toledo

Our optometry practice in Toledo

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Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from EyeCare Specialties - Sylvania

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide life-changing improvement in vision clarity and comfort for those battling keratoconus.If you or a loved one has keratoconus and would like to explore the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with EyeCare Specialties - Sylvania today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(419) 843-2020