Keratoconus Symptoms: When Should You Consider Custom Scleral Lenses?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to become thinner and develop an irregular, cone-like shape. As the cornea changes, it can affect how light enters the eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision. For some patients, traditional glasses and contact lenses may no longer provide adequate correction.

At Collins Vision Care in Vandalia, OH, we offer custom scleral lenses to help patients with keratoconus achieve clearer, more comfortable vision. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding when to consider specialty contact lenses can help you make informed decisions about your eye care.
 

What Are the Common Symptoms of Keratoconus?

Keratoconus often begins during adolescence or early adulthood and may progress gradually. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Common signs of keratoconus include:

• Blurry or distorted vision that becomes difficult to correct with glasses

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night, especially while driving

• Ghosting, halos, or multiple images around objects

If you experience these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye examination at our Vandalia practice can help determine whether keratoconus or another vision condition is responsible.
 

Why Traditional Contact Lenses May Not Work for Keratoconus

As keratoconus progresses, the cornea becomes increasingly irregular. Standard soft contact lenses typically conform to the corneal surface, making them less effective at correcting the distorted vision associated with keratoconus.

Glasses may provide sufficient correction during the early stages, but patients with more advanced corneal changes often require specialty contact lenses.

Custom scleral lenses offer an alternative because they are designed to accommodate irregular corneal shapes while providing a more consistent optical surface.
 

How Do Custom Scleral Lenses Help Patients With Keratoconus?

Scleral lenses are larger-diameter, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, or white part of the eye.

The space between the lens and cornea holds a fluid reservoir that helps maintain hydration and creates a smooth optical surface. This design can improve visual clarity while reducing direct contact with the sensitive cornea.

At Collins Vision Care, we use advanced sMap3D technology to obtain detailed measurements of the eye's surface. This allows us to design custom scleral lenses tailored to each patient's unique eye shape, supporting a precise fit and improved comfort.
 

When Should You Consider Custom Scleral Lenses?

You may benefit from custom scleral lenses if your keratoconus symptoms interfere with everyday activities or your current vision correction is no longer effective.

Patients who experience persistent blurry vision despite updated prescriptions, discomfort with traditional rigid contact lenses, or difficulty wearing standard contacts may be good candidates.

Our Vandalia optometrist, Dr. Ross Collins, has extensive experience fitting specialty contact lenses for patients with keratoconus and other irregular corneal conditions. We evaluate your corneal health, prescription, and visual needs to determine whether scleral lenses are appropriate.

While scleral lenses can improve vision, they do not stop keratoconus progression. Additional treatment, such as corneal cross-linking, may be recommended when appropriate to help stabilize the condition.
 

Schedule a Custom Scleral Lens Consultation in Vandalia, OH

If keratoconus is affecting your vision, our team can help you explore personalized contact lens options. Contact Collins Vision Care in Vandalia, OH, at (937) 898-9333 to schedule a consultation and learn whether custom scleral lenses are right for you.