Keratoconus & ectasia
Shape changes due to thinning or weakening of the cornea.
Eye Conditions
Contact Lenses for Irregular Corneas in Doral
What Is an Irregular Cornea?
An irregular cornea is one whose surface isn't smooth or even. Instead of a regular curve, it has areas that are steeper, flatter or slightly uneven.
It isn't a diagnosis on its own, but a description of the cornea's shape that can have different causes.
How Corneal Shape Affects Vision
A more regular corneal surface tends to focus light more evenly. When the surface is irregular, light scatters and images can look blurry, distorted or surrounded by halos.
That's why glasses or standard lenses sometimes can't provide fully sharp vision.
More regular surface: more even focus
Irregular surface: light scatters
Possible Causes
A cornea can become irregular for different reasons, including:
Prior eye surgery
Refractive surgery or other procedures that change the cornea.
Corneal scarring
From previous injuries or infections.
Other conditions
Some ocular surface conditions; these are reviewed during the exam.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the cause.
- Blurry vision that glasses don't fully correct
- Distorted or ghost images
- Halos around lights
- Glare
- Light sensitivity
- Trouble seeing at night
Evaluation
The evaluation aims to understand the shape of your cornea and how it affects your vision. Depending on the case, it may include:
- Review of symptoms, history and prior surgeries
- Eye exam and evaluation of the corneal surface
- Measurements of corneal curvature
- Corneal topography or tomography when clinically indicated
Correction Options
The right option depends on the cause, the corneal shape and your needs:
Eyeglasses
May help with mild irregularities.
Gas permeable lenses
Hold their shape and can compensate for part of the irregularity.
Scleral lenses
Vault over the cornea and provide a smooth optical surface.
Referral
When appropriate, you are referred to other professionals. Dr. Belkis Perez, OD does not perform surgery.
Gas Permeable Lenses
Gas permeable lenses are rigid. The layer of tears between the lens and the cornea can fill in part of the irregularities, so light enters through a more regular surface.
More About Gas Permeable LensesScleral Lenses
Scleral lenses rest on the white of the eye and vault over the cornea. The fluid-filled space and the lens surface may help focus light more evenly for some irregular corneas.
More About Scleral Lenses- Scleral lens
- Cornea
- Space over the cornea (vault)
- Ocular surface (sclera)
How a Personalized Fitting Works
- Initial evaluation
- Symptom review
- Corneal evaluation
- Visual needs
- Correction options
- Individualized plan
Once a lens is chosen, it is tried, adjusted if needed and followed up based on your case.
How Can Dr. Belkis Perez, OD Help?
Every case of irregular cornea is different. Dr. Belkis Perez, OD takes the time to understand how you see, what bothers you and what you need day to day before reviewing vision correction options.
If a specialty contact lens is considered, the fitting is personalized and includes follow-up care as appropriate for your case. When appropriate, referral to other eye care professionals is also considered.
- Evaluation of your vision and ocular surface
- Review of your history and symptoms
- Your visual needs: work, screens, driving, sports
- Personalized lens fitting when appropriate
- Follow-up care based on your case
Frequently asked questions
Related correction options
- Scleral Contact LensesScleral lenses are larger-diameter specialty lenses that rest on the white of the eye and vault over the cornea. They are often considered for irregular corneas.Explore
- Gas Permeable Contact LensesGas permeable lenses are rigid lenses that keep their shape on the eye and can provide sharp vision in certain cases, including some irregular corneas.Explore
- Condition
- Need
- Correction option
- Evaluation
- Appointment
General information only. It does not replace a professional exam; the right option is determined during a visit with Dr. Belkis Perez, OD.
Schedule your evaluation
Book your appointment with Dr. Belkis Perez, OD to review the best option for your eyes.
Schedule Your Evaluation