Living with keratoconus can be difficult. Struggling with blurry vision and constantly needing new prescriptions can be overwhelming. If you have keratoconus, you might be wondering 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.
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, eye rubbing, and certain conditions like allergies have been linked to its development.
Keratoconus typically starts in the late teens or early twenties. Many people with keratoconus worry about whether the condition will continue to progress over time. The good news is that for most people, keratoconus typically stabilizes in their 30s or 40s. However, in some cases, the progression of the disease may continue into later years. Regular check-ups 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.
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 called 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.
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 in Jacksonville, Florida 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. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!