Symptoms of Keratoconus

Many people with keratoconus are unaware they have the disease. That’s because the first symptom which is usually blurred vision is very common. Although blurred vision is usually more pronounced in one eye, the other eye will sometimes compensate for it. Because of this, it can make early diagnosis of keratoconus difficult. But like the condition itself, the symptoms of keratoconus are progressive.

Symptoms Can Include:

• Vision that becomes blurry or distorted 
• Difficulty seeing objects near and far
• Increasing sensitivity to bright light and glare
• Seeing halos and streaking around bright lights
• Frequent changes in prescriptions
• Sudden clouding of vision

Keratoconus & Irregular Astigmatism

As keratoconus progresses, vision begins to deteriorate, sometimes rapidly due to irregular astigmatism. An irregular astigmatism is similar to a regular astigmatism in that curvature of the eye’s surface is not perfectly round. But where it differs is that instead of the curvature being evenly shaped (regular astigmatism) it is uneven. This can cause other keratoconus symptoms like blurry vision, double vision, halos, glare, eye strain, headaches, and more.

Keratoconus & Ghost Images

People with keratoconus often complain of ghost images or unusual glares. This classic symptom of keratoconus is the appearance of several images when looking at one object. In cases of keratoconus, the cornea becomes extremely football shaped which induces high amounts of irregular astigmatism causing multiple curves and areas of distortion. This results in ghost images and blurred vision not correctable by glasses. So, what’s the answer? We touch on that below.

Treatments for Keratoconus

Every eye is different, so it’s important to get an eye exam from a doctor who understands this condition. In doing so, they can determine the health of your eyes before you begin any treatment. 

• Intacs (Surgical): reshape the cornea by flattening it closer to its original dome shape.
• Corneal Transplant (Surgical): a procedure that replaces the cornea, the clear front layer of your eye.
• Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (Non-Surgical): a procedure that strengthens and stabilizes the cornea.
• Scleral Lenses (Non-Surgical): a contact lens that vaults over the cornea, resting on the whites (sclera) of your eye

Non-Surgical Treatment for Keratoconus

Scleral lenses for keratoconus are the most common as well as the most successful treatment for those with keratoconus. In fact, this non-surgical keratoconus treatment, can eliminate blurry vision caused by an irregular cornea and can also be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If you’ve been told in the past that you cannot wear contact lenses because of an irregular cornea or even dry eyes, you may want to get a second opinion and ask about scleral contact lenses.

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus at Murata Eyecare

We provide scleral contact lens fitting services for people that have keratoconus, corneal transplants and other corneal diseases. These diseases prevent good vision with glasses and soft contact lenses. And, surgery is not an option to regain normal vision. If you experience blur and discomfort while wearing regular contact lenses, now you can enjoy sharper vision and comfort with prescription scleral contacts! Contact us today at (805) 522-7007 to book a contact lens exam, or to learn more about our sclera contact lens options.