Vision Therapy in Rigden Farm

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(970) 224-9880

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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335 Reviews
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- Oct. 11, 2024
I was recommended to transfer my eye care here and it was a great recommendation! Office staff is fr... iendly and attentive and Dr. German is clearly very knowledgeable. Will definitely continue being a patient here!
- Oct. 04, 2024
Staff is very friendly and Dr. Kelly is amazing.
- Aug. 09, 2024
Office has high-tech equipment and knowledgeable staff. Dr. Gregory Abel is very pleasant, and extre... mely good at both vision assessment and identifying potential diseases. After age 40, an annual check-up is highly recommended.
- Jul. 30, 2024
Found Mountain View Eye Specialists because I was looking for a place near one of my job sites at th... e time and I have now been with them for 4 years. I live about 30 minutes away but I continue to go because I like the staff the doctors and the selection they have.
- Jul. 29, 2024
Fantastic Doctors and care received here!
- Jul. 01, 2024
Dr Kelly is incredible! I've never had an eye exam like this before, she makes sure my eyes are rela... xed and nearly eliminated my end of day headaches!
- Jun. 28, 2024
Caring and competent team- I highly recommend Mountain View Eye Specialists!
- Jun. 11, 2024
I love Mountain View Eye Specialist! The entire staff is so sweet and walk you through the what it h... appening. They are so kind and put me at ease during the appointment. The glasses/frames consultants are also amazing! The helped me find an amazing first pair of glasses and hyped me up to try a new style during my last visit! Could not recommend this place enough
- Jun. 08, 2024
Everybody is wonderful at Mountain View Eye Specialist!!!
- May. 21, 2024
Dr Amy Abel found a conversion insufficiency with my eyes that no other physician found and exercise... therapy has helped me tremendously Her staff is courteous and friendly Elizabeth Ishmael
- May. 16, 2024
I have been going here for a few years now -- they are always friendly and helpful!
- Apr. 27, 2024
Doctors Amy and Greg are amazing. Their expertise and knowledge are complimented by compassion and c... aring for their patients. They are a rarity in the medical realm in that their first and foremost desire is the welfare and healing of their clients. Quality of the entire staff is outstanding! Know you are with the best of the best when experiencing their diligent work for the good of every client.
- Mar. 30, 2024
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Kelly for an eye exam, and I must say, the experience wa... s nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were incredibly helpful, making the entire process smooth and comfortable. Dr. Kelly stands out not just for her expertise but also for her ability to connect with patients on a personal level. She took the time to thoroughly explain each step of the examination, ensuring that I was comfortable and informed throughout. Her attention to detail and genuine concern for my eye health was evident, making me feel valued and well-cared for. What impressed me most was Dr. Kelly’s dedication to using the latest technology and her knowledge to provide the best possible care. She answered all my questions with patience and provided me with valuable advice on maintaining my eye health. I left the clinic feeling reassured and well-informed about my eye health. It’s clear that Dr. Kelly and her team go above and beyond for their patients, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you’re looking for an optometrist who truly cares about your well-being, Dr. Kelly is the one to see.
- Mar. 28, 2024
Dr Kelly was amazing! She was an attentive listener, and provided thorough explanations and recommen... dations without any pressure. Her knowledge and patience, especially with my inquisitive child, were much appreciated.
- Mar. 09, 2024
We love Dr. Amy, Dr. Greg & Dr. Kelly- our family has seen them all! They all take the time and care... with each of us and make us feel special. I know my family’s eye care is in the BEST hands!!
- Feb. 27, 2024
Doctors Amy and Greg have been treating our family since they opened. Very attentive and knowledgeab... le.
- Feb. 22, 2024
Best ophthalmologist ever. Appointments are extremely fast, no eye dilation is required, but you sti... ll have a full retinal exam, the doctor is extremely knowledgeable and the doctor explains everything she is looking at. Also great selection of glasses
- Feb. 17, 2024
I had an eye emergency and tried to get in everywhere in town with no luck until I called Mountain V... iew. Even though they had no availability got me in last minute on a Friday afternoon and took great care of me. They were professional and thorough and I would recommend them to anyone who asked. I am incredibly grateful for their compassion and willingness to help.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Dr. Abel and his staff were so thorough, helpful and professional. At every turn, I felt like I was ... spending the afternoon with friends. I’m so glad I found this office!
- Nov. 14, 2023
Amazing staff! Very welcoming and comforting! Had no issues while there and the process from one roo... m to the next was smooth and seamless! Great work guys!

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Scleral Lenses in Rigden Farm

Our optometry practice in Rigden Farm

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Mountain View Eye Specialists

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 Mountain View Eye Specialists today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(970) 224-9880