Vision Therapy in Glenview

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(847) 904-2150

Understanding Keratoconus: A Vision Disorder

Your cornea, the clear, round, front surface of your eye, is the first ocular tissue that light passes through on its way to the retina. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin, steepen, and form an irregular cone-shape. This transformation causes light to focus on the retina incorrectly, which leads to distorted vision.

woman putting in contact


What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

There are two primary ways keratoconus affects your vision, and it shows up as:

  • Irregular Astigmatism: The cornea, which typically has a smooth spherical shape, undergoes a transformation into a cone-like structure. This alteration results in a wavy and uneven corneal surface, known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the front part of your eye expands, your vision becomes increasingly nearsighted. This means that you can only see objects clearly when they are up close (however in keratoconus, even objects at near may still appear distorted). Anything at a distance appears blurry.
  • Variable or quickly changing vision. The inability to achieve clear vision in glasses or soft contacts when it had been possible in the recent past.

Recognizing the signs of keratoconus is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Double or triple vision when using just one eye
  • Blurriness of objects both near and far
  • Perception of bright lights with halos around them
  • Presence of light streaks
  • The presence of ghost images
  • Persistent blurry vision that affects your ability to drive safely

adding contact drops

Causes and Risk Factors: Can it Damage Your Vision?

The precise cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Researchers believe that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

However, several factors have been associated with the development of keratoconus:

Family History: If a family member has been diagnosed with keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting the condition. If you have keratoconus, it is advisable to have your children's eyes examined for early signs, by the age of 10 at the latest. Early detection of keratoconus is crucial for successful management and prevention of severe disease.

Certain Medical Conditions: Research has indicated a correlation between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, retinitis pigmentosa, sleep apnea, Lebers congenital amaurosis, Marfan’s, and other connective tissue disorders.Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease have the potential to weaken the corneal tissue over time.

Eye Rubbing: Vigorous and persistent eye rubbing can lead to corneal damage. Excessive eye rubbing can accelerate its progression for individuals already diagnosed with keratoconus.


Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: The Game-Changer

Keratoconus presents a unique challenge when it comes to vision correction. Traditional gas permeable? contact lenses often prove ineffective as they cannot conform to the irregular corneal shape. This is where scleral lenses step in as an innovative solution.

Here are four compelling reasons to consider scleral lenses for keratoconus:

  • Enhanced Comfort

    Scleral lenses are larger in diameter compared to traditional rigid gas permeable contact lenses, spreading their weight across a broader, less sensitive area, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

  • Improved Vision

    Unlike glasses, which often offer limited visual improvement for keratoconus patients, scleral lenses can significantly enhance vision clarity and stability.

  • Constant Moisture

    Scleral lenses provide a continuous reservoir of moisture between the lens and the eye's surface, ensuring a soothing and moisture-rich environment for the eyes.

  • No More Eye Rubbing

    The design of scleral lenses minimizes the need for eye rubbing by reducing inciting factors of ocular surface and lid inflammation due to allergy response, reducing the risk of further corneal damage and discomfort.

Patient Reviews
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155 Reviews
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- Oct. 13, 2024
Dr. Kim is very knowledgeable and friendly. The technician who assisted was professional, kind and e... fficient. This practice has embraced the latest technology to assess and treat their patients. Great gem to have in the neighborhood!
- Sep. 25, 2024
It is a kind and easy to understand explanation.
- Jul. 17, 2024
Both doctors we've seen have been great and everyone is so nice at the office. We've had a great exp... erience in the 2 years going here.
- Jul. 03, 2024
How much does a hospital examination cost?
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr Kim was very honest with me about feeling like I had the wrong prescription for my glasses. I fel... t like she was experienced clinically but also trust worthy. Most of her office staff was amazing and I really like feeling like I can go to them for help if I have issues to be addressed with billing, glasses, medical records, etc. Some of glasses selection seems a bit on the higher end in price (unsurprising for glenview) but they had more affordable options too.
- Feb. 05, 2024
It's an excellent optometrist place. Staff was polite and efficient. Quick but good eye exam and goo... d prices with insurance (MetLife). Glasses took a few days but great work. Overall great place and I can recommend.
- Jan. 22, 2024
The office staff is always accommodating. Dr. Mehta is very thorough & informative. There is plenty ... of parking available. We recommend this practice & we are so glad we found this office.
- Jan. 01, 2024
My experience at Vision Central was great and I will highly recommend them
- Nov. 23, 2023
Great experience from beginning to end. Knowledgeable staff...optician, Ken with years of experienc... e and thorough exam by Dr Mehta. Going back to pick a new frame from their large display of choices.
- Oct. 19, 2023
The staff at Vision Central are very knowledgeable nd super nice.
- Aug. 20, 2023
First time here and I was welcomed as me and my son walked in, staff was friendly. I recommend Visio... n Central
- Aug. 11, 2023
Good place
- Aug. 07, 2023
They are nice guys and professional
- Jul. 30, 2023
Very nice store, everyone was very professional and friendly.
- Jul. 11, 2023
The staff and Maria were extremely helpful in choosing my polarized glasses and contact lenses. The ... Doctor listened to my concerns regarding my vision. I highly recommend Vision Central!
- Jul. 06, 2023
I've been seeing Dr. Kim for two years now and she is the best!
- Jun. 02, 2023
Dr. Kim is so amazing and the rest of the staff here are very kind and helpful. Super happy with my ... new glasses <3
- Apr. 10, 2023
Vison Central in Glenview is great!!! Starting with Dr.Mehta, she is very knowledgeable, attentive a... nd really cares for her patients. The staff is professional, friendly and caring. Everyone was extremely helpful and kind during my visit. They have a good selection of frames and reasonable prices. I would definitely recommend others to go there.
- Mar. 19, 2023
I felt so welcome here. They answered all my question. The doctor was so friendly . All the staff we... re friendly. I recommend coming here .
- Jan. 05, 2023
Dr. Mehta is one of the best ophthalmologists

View All 155 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Glenview

Our optometry practice in Glenview

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Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Vision Central

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide life-changing improvement in vision clarity and comfort for those battling keratoconus.If you or a loved one has keratoconus and would like to explore the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with Vision Central today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(847) 904-2150