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Best Pediatric optometrists in Fort Collins

Located at 2111 Custer Drive in Fort Collins

Located at 2111 Custer Drive
in Fort Collins

Keratoconus Treatment in Fort Collins, Colorado

Treatment for Keratoconus At Mountain View Eye Specialists


In the early stages of the disease, standard eyeglasses and soft contact lenses will usually correct the nearsightedness and astigmatism experienced by the patient.

As the disease progresses, however, glasses and soft contact lenses may no longer correct vision and soft lenses may become uncomfortable. This is when other forms of vision correction will be recommended.

Gas Permeable and Scleral Contact Lenses

At the more advanced stage of keratoconus rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, scleral or semi-scleral lenses may be used for increased comfort and visual acuity. Since they are more rigid, RGP and scleral lenses are able to create a smooth, round shape around the cornea, creating a smoother surface for better vision.

Scleral or semi-scleral lenses have a larger diameter which covers the entire cornea and reaches over into the white part of the eye, which is known as the sclera. Many patients find these more comfortable than regular RGPs and find that they move around less when the eyes move. The main disadvantage of these rigid lenses is that for some, they are somewhat less comfortable than soft lenses and they must be continually refitted as the shape of the eye changes.

Whether it is glasses or contact lenses being used to correct vision, patients will likely have to undergo many tests and prescription changes as their vision need change.

Intacs

Intacs are small, surgically implanted plastic inserts which are placed on the cornea to flatten it back to shape. Usually they are able to restore clear vision, with the continued use of glasses. Intacs are often recommended when contact lenses and eyeglasses are no longer able to correct vision adequately. Intacs take about 10 minutes to insert and can delay the need for corneal transplant.

Corneal Crosslinking (CXL)

In corneal crosslinking, a UV light and eye drops are used to strengthen and stiffen the cornea which helps to reduce bulging and restore the cornea to its natural shape.

Corneal Transplant

When corneal scarring occurs and eyeglasses and contact lenses no longer help, doctors may suggest a corneal transplant to replace the corneal with healthy donor tissue to restore vision. Most patients will still require eyeglasses or contact lenses for clear vision following the transplant.

Keratoconus is a condition that requires ongoing treatment by a qualified eye doctor. If you or a loved one suffers from this disease make sure that you find an eye doctor that you like and trust to accompany you on this journey.

Types of Kerataconus Lenses


Kerasoft IC

A revolutionary soft lens design for people with irregular corneas.

This innovative, patented design is a groundbreaking success. KeraSoft® IC addresses the unique challenges of people with a variety of irregular corneal conditions, including keratoconus as well as conditions due to post-graft and post-refractive surgery.

KeraSoft® IC lenses use a patented technology and geometries from complex mathematics to create a lens design that, delivered in a silicone hydrogel material, offers comfort and visual acuity for irregular cornea patients.

With KeraSoft® IC, now eye care professionals can confidently deliver a custom-made lens to meet a patient’s exact needs. For the contact lens wearer with irregular corneas, KeraSoft® IC is a new option they’ve been waiting for.

Gelflex

Gelflex produces a wide range of disposable and specialty custom lenses to meet the needs of consumers worldwide.

Since its inception in 1971, Gelflex has maintained a strong focus on contact lens quality and innovative design.

In over 40 years as a leader in the contact lens industry, Gelflex has achieved some notable accomplishments, including:

  • Being Australia’s first and only cast mold manufacturing plant;
  • Producing the world’s first hydrogel intraocular lens;
  • Producing the world’s first pediatric Gas Permeable Scleral lens; and
  • Currently manufacturing the world’s only disposable contact lens with a special enhancing tint.
SynergEyes

ClearKone lenses by SynergEyes is an FDA-cleared hybrid contact lens specifically designed for the treatment of keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. This hybrid contact lens combines the best of both worlds – the crisp vision of a GP contact lens with the all-day comfort and convenience of a soft lens.

Scleral Lenses

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and bulges forward into a cone shape.  Traditional contact lenses may cause some discomfort in these patients and the vision may still be blurry therefore RPGs are often used for treatment for mild, moderate, and some severe cases.  

Rigid gas permeable lenses may help to slow down the cone shape from worsening in some cases. Further, RGPs are able to assist in vision correction for keratoconus which is often not possible with soft contacts or even eyeglasses.

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