Living with keratoconus can be difficult due to blurry vision and changes in prescription. If you have keratoconus, you may wonder if it will ever stop getting worse. The short answer is yes, it will stop progressing at some point. In some cases, it may stabilize on its own, but keratoconus is often a progressive condition that requires regular monitoring and treatment.
In this blog, we talk about keratoconus symptoms, causes, and how you can see clearly and comfortably with keratoconus treatment in Jacksonville.
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea (the clear outermost layer of your eye) to become thin and bulge outward into a cone shape. This can lead to distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and poor night vision. The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but genetics and eye rubbing have been linked to its development.¹
When does keratoconus start and stop progressing?
Keratoconus is often diagnosed during the teenage years or in your 20s and 30s, though it can sometimes begin in childhood. Mild cases may even be detected later in life.¹ The cornea gradually changes shape over several years, progressing more quickly in younger patients.¹
Fortunately, for most people, keratoconus typically stabilizes in their 30s or 40s. However, in some cases, disease progression may continue into later years. Regular eye exams with an eye care professional are essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
How is keratoconus treated?
Treatment for keratoconus will depend on its severity and how quickly it progresses. In the early stages, glasses or contact lenses can be used to correct your vision. But as the condition progresses and the cornea bulges out more, other measures may be necessary, such as scleral lenses.
Scleral lenses for keratoconus
Scleral lenses are a great option for people with advanced keratoconus or other corneal irregularities. These lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses, resting on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, rather than the cornea. By creating a smooth surface over the irregular cornea, scleral lenses offer clear and comfortable vision for those with keratoconus.
Scleral contact lenses for keratoconus are custom-fit to each patient’s eye shape and size. At Baymeadows Vision Center, we use the sMap3D™️ corneo-scleral topographer to create a detailed map of your cornea and sclera. This cutting-edge technology enables us to develop a fully customizable scleral lens that perfectly matches your eye shape and doesn’t cause discomfort.
Improve your vision and comfort
If you have keratoconus, working closely with your eye care provider and exploring options like scleral lenses can make a significant difference in your quality of life. At Baymeadows Vision Center, we offer keratoconus treatment tailored to the specific needs of each patient, including scleral contact lenses. Whether you have mild or advanced keratoconus, we can help you manage your symptoms and find the best treatment option.
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