Vision Therapy in Manchester

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(636) 225-9300

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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267 Reviews
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- Sep. 10, 2024
I've been coming here since I was in 6th grade. I've had no reason to switch my eye doctor because o... f how great the environment and staff are here. I will always recommend West County Eye care to anybody.
- Aug. 24, 2024
My teenage daughter had only positive things to say after her appointment. I also appreciated the fl... exibility of the staff and Dr. after we had a scheduling mistake on our end. They were still able to get her in the same day.
- Aug. 12, 2024
The staff is always friendly, polite and knowledgeable.
- Aug. 03, 2024
Great employees and great service! Highly recommend!
- Jun. 04, 2024
Dr Haring is a great doc. exams are thorough & accurate. staff is very nice & helpful. hours are g... ood for people who work during the day.
- May. 07, 2024
Everyone I dealt with was very professional and friendly. I really appreciate Dr. Hering taking all... the time I needed.
- May. 05, 2024
Great personalized care. Super attentive and warm. I'm grateful to have switched over!
- Apr. 26, 2024
great service -- friendly
- Mar. 26, 2024
Steve is awesome! Friendly and didn't make me feel rushed.
- Mar. 11, 2024
Excellent customer service care that is unmatched by anyone in this field of practice!! Great job by... everyone there. Thank you,
- Feb. 21, 2024
Excellent care from Dr Harring and his staff. Timely, efficient, and professional. Dr Harring exudes... confidence in a very attentive manner. It’s always a very positive experience.
- Feb. 18, 2024
Dr. Stephen Haring is personable and professional, not to mention thorough. He took his time during... my appointment and addressed my concerns. His staff is very friendly and were helpful while I chose my new glasses. Definitely would recommend West County Eyecare.
- Feb. 12, 2024
West County Eyecare fit me in the day I called with my eye issues. Staff was efficient and courteou... s. Dr. Haring is the best. I recommend them highly.
- Feb. 05, 2024
The office was clean and spacious. The staff were all very friendly and efficient. Dr Emily was prof... essional, knowledgeable, and had great bedside manner. I left feeling great. I would recommend this office.
- Jan. 20, 2024
The doctors and staff are professional and helpful! They go above and beyond!
- Jan. 18, 2024
I appreciated their timeliness and skilled care I receive during the exam.
- Dec. 08, 2023
Always willing to help in resolving issues
- Nov. 15, 2023
I really appreciate how thorough the exams are and how well Dr Pike explained the results.
- Nov. 01, 2023
Knowledgeable and friendly
- Oct. 31, 2023
Great experience and examination by Dr. Haring and his staff!

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Scleral Lenses in Manchester

Our optometry practice in Manchester

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  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
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  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from West County Eyecare

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 West County Eyecare today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(636) 225-9300