Vision Therapy in Denton

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(940) 891-3937

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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396 Reviews
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- Oct. 31, 2024
I've been going there many years, Excellent eye docs! I will continue to have them as my choice!
- Oct. 12, 2024
Dr Yang is awesome. Entire staff as well
- Sep. 20, 2024
I had a great experience with Dr. Vang during my recent eye exam. She was very nice, took the time t... o answer all of my questions, and made sure I understood everything about my eye health. The entire process was smooth and professional. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for a thorough and caring eye doctor!
- Sep. 17, 2024
The best place from start to finish. Everyone knows their jobs and are so personable. I would trus... t them all. Such a great experience.
- Aug. 17, 2024
Working me in when I had an unexpected problem with my eye. Dr. Middleton made my eye back to norma... l- so thankful!
- Aug. 17, 2024
Dr Vang was very thorough in her questions and information gathering, as well as in her examining an... d testing. She answers questions patiently and is very personable.
- Aug. 15, 2024
Devante did my glasses order and I ended up going with the first pair he hand selected for me. When ... my glasses came in they were perfect. I had zero headache or dizziness. The prescription was perfect, the measurements were perfect. Thank you Dr. Vang and Devante for giving me the best vision possible. Give Devante a raise! He was clearly trained by the best.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Amazing staff and great location and environment!
- Aug. 10, 2024
Even though Dr. Trusty has retired, I still received the same friendly and caring service!
- Aug. 09, 2024
Excellent staff! Courteous and helpful, explaining all of the exams and procedures in easy-to-unders... tand terms.
- Aug. 08, 2024
Everyone was great and efficient!
- Aug. 07, 2024
Good job
- Jun. 10, 2024
Dr Middleton is the best optometrist you can find. His knowledge and care are simply outstanding. I ... have been seeing him for the last 20 years and followed him to this location from the previous one. Highly recommend him!
- Jun. 01, 2024
Dr. Middleton and his staff and friendly and thorough. I highly recommend Total Eyecare.
- May. 16, 2024
Great Doctors. Very thorough. And go see Cindy in eyewear. She knows exactly what you need!
- May. 05, 2024
I’ve been going to them for almost 20 years and they have excellent service and physicians.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Dr. Coleman, Cindy and Lisa are the best!
- Apr. 05, 2024
It was great
- Mar. 27, 2024
Kudos to Cindy Ballard! She is so pleasant to customers, bright smile, gives me 110% of her attentio... n with me finding just the right fit of glasses. I always go back once a year from Jackson,Wyoming because of the service I get.
- Mar. 26, 2024
Shout out to Dr Kimberly Vang! She was very present during the consultation and I left feeling adequ... ately informed about my eye health.

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Scleral Lenses in Denton

Our optometry practice in Denton

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Total Eyecare & Eyewear - Denton

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 Total Eyecare & Eyewear - Denton today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(940) 891-3937