Choosing the Right Specialty Contacts for Your Eyes: Navigating Keratoconus with Confidence

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus, you know how frustrating it can be to find the right vision correction. Standard glasses and contact lenses often fall short, leaving you with blurry or distorted vision. At DaVinci Eye Care, we specialize in helping patients with keratoconus find the right specialty contact lenses for their unique needs. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have struggled for years to get clear, comfortable vision, our team is here to guide you through your options and provide solutions that work for your lifestyle.

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to vision distortion, glare, and increased sensitivity to light. Traditional soft contact lenses may not fit properly or provide stable vision, making specialty lenses a necessity rather than a luxury. The right choice depends on your individual eye shape, lifestyle, and vision needs. Let’s explore the most effective options available.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a popular choice for patients with moderate to severe keratoconus. These larger-diameter lenses vault over the irregular cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of your eye), creating a smooth optical surface. Because they do not sit directly on the cornea, they reduce discomfort and irritation often associated with smaller contact lenses. The fluid-filled space between the lens and your cornea acts as a cushion, keeping the eye hydrated throughout the day. This makes them an excellent option for those struggling with dry eyes or experiencing discomfort with other lens types.

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable (RGP) center for clear vision with a soft skirt for comfort. The RGP center corrects the visual distortions caused by keratoconus, while the surrounding soft lens material improves stability and reduces the foreign-body sensation that some patients experience with fully rigid lenses.

These lenses are a great choice for those who want the optical clarity of RGP lenses but struggle with their small size and movement on the eye. Hybrid lenses stay centered more easily, reducing glare and halos that can occur with irregular corneas. They are also designed to be breathable, allowing oxygen to reach the cornea for healthier long-term wear.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are a classic solution for keratoconus and have been used for decades to provide sharp vision for those with irregular corneas. They create a uniform refractive surface over the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina and reducing the visual distortions caused by keratoconus.

Because RGP lenses are small and allow plenty of oxygen flow to the eye, they help maintain corneal health over time. However, they do take some time to get used to, as they rest directly on the cornea rather than the sclera like scleral lenses. Some patients may initially experience a sensation of having something in their eye, but with regular wear, this typically subsides.

Finding the Right Fit for You

At DaVinci Eye Care, we take the time to evaluate your unique eye structure, vision goals, and lifestyle needs to find the best specialty contact lens solution for you. If you’re in Warminster or the surrounding area and struggling with keratoconus, you don’t have to settle for compromised vision. Clear, comfortable sight is possible with the right lenses—and the right team guiding you through the process.

Keratoconus may be a lifelong condition, but with today’s advanced specialty contact lenses, you can regain the clear, stable vision you deserve. Contact our office in Warminster, Pennsylvania, by calling (215) 443-8580 your book an eye exam today.