Custom-made specialty lenses for managing keratoconus
Contact lenses for keratoconus: stable vision even with an irregular cornea
Keratoconus is a progressive corneal condition in which the normally spherical cornea thins and gradually takes on a cone-like shape. This deformation impairs vision, leading to irregular astigmatism, myopia, and visual distortion. It often appears during adolescence or early adulthood and may progress over time.
When glasses are no longer sufficient to ensure good visual quality, specialized contact lenses become a key solution to improve eyesight and, in some cases, help slow the progression of the condition.
Today, contact lenses are among the most effective solutions for achieving sharp and stable vision even with irregular corneas. Depending on the eye's morphology and the stage of the condition, various highly specialized lens types are available.
Keratoconus
What is keratoconus?
Info
Which contact lenses for keratoconus?
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Recommended in the early stages of keratoconus. They provide high visual quality thanks to the rigid surface that "masks" corneal irregularities. However, they may be less tolerated in advanced keratoconus cases.
- Hybrid Lenses
Combine a rigid gas permeable center with a soft silicone hydrogel skirt to improve comfort and stability. Ideal for those seeking a compromise between visual quality and wearability.
- Mini-Scleral and Scleral Lenses
Recommended for more complex cases, these large-diameter lenses rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, enhancing hydration and comfort. Perfect for very sensitive eyes or after corneal transplant.
- Specialized Soft Lenses
Designed for mild keratoconus, less common but usable in the early stages of the disease and in selected cases.
Contact Lenses
Why Choose Them
Glasses, especially in cases of advanced keratoconus, are often not sufficiently effective due to irregular astigmatism that tends to worsen. In these situations, the ideal solution is the use of contact lenses specifically designed for keratoconus.
- Significant improvement in visual quality
Lenses, particularly rigid and scleral ones, create a regular optical surface that compensates for corneal irregularities. - Correction of irregular astigmatism
Unlike glasses, lenses can better conform to the shape of the cone-shaped cornea and provide sharper vision. - Non-surgical alternatives
Lenses represent an effective and non-invasive option, often preferred before considering surgical treatments such as corneal transplant. - Greater visual stability
Scleral lenses, in particular, ensure stable vision throughout the day, even in more advanced cases. - Increasing comfort with modern technologies
Advanced materials and customized designs make lenses increasingly tolerable, even for sensitive eyes. - Possibility of personalized fittings
Keratoconus lenses are custom-made for each patient, taking into account the severity and shape of the cornea. - Slowing the progression of the disorder (in some cases)
Maintaining good optical correction can help manage the condition over time, especially when combined with other treatments (e.g., cross-linking).
Main advantages
✔ Customized solutions for every stage of the condition
✔ Improved visual quality of life without the need for invasive procedures
✔ Options for sensitive or dry eyes
✔ Possibility of gradual adaptation with specialist support
The process
At Ilop Optical Centers, we offer:
✔ Initial specialist examination with optometric and corneal topography assessment
✔ Guided selection of the most suitable lens (rigid, hybrid, miniscleral, or scleral) based on the stage of the condition and daily needs
✔ Assisted trial and personalized fitting with ongoing support from our team
✔ Scheduled follow-ups to continuously monitor your vision
Learn more
Correct myopia while you sleep? Learn more about Ortho-K in our dedicated article.
Scleral and miniscleral contact lenses
Miniscleral and scleral lenses are custom-made rigid gas permeable contact lenses with a large diameter, ideal for those with complex visual needs. They provide comfort, stability, and protection in cases where conventional lenses are not suitable.
📍 Advanced technology for complex and sensitive eyes.
FAQ
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, the transparent part of the eye, thins and deforms, taking on a cone-like shape. This causes distorted vision and makes it difficult to correct the problem with glasses.
Yes! Contact lenses, especially rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses, are the primary solution to improve vision in patients with keratoconus by correcting irregular astigmatism and stabilizing the shape of the cornea.
Glasses are not always effective for keratoconus, especially in more advanced stages. Contact lenses, on the other hand, create a regular optical surface and provide clearer and more stable vision, even in the presence of irregular astigmatism.
Contact lenses for keratoconus are particularly helpful for those with sensitive eyes or dry eye syndrome, as they create a protective space between the cornea and the lens, reducing irritation. However, an individual assessment is important to find the best solution.
Yes, thanks to advanced materials and customized designs, scleral and RGP lenses for keratoconus provide a good level of comfort even for those with sensitive eyes. Proper fitting by an eye care professional is essential to ensure maximum comfort.
Contact lenses are not a permanent treatment but temporarily correct vision. It is essential to attend regular check-ups with your specialist to monitor corneal health and ensure proper lens fitting.
Yes, contact lenses for keratoconus are safe to wear during physical activities, provided they are properly fitted. Scleral lenses offer excellent stability, even during intense movements.
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