Family history
It may be more common when relatives have keratoconus.
Eye Conditions
Keratoconus & Specialty Contact Lenses in Doral, FL
What Is Keratoconus?
The cornea is the clear, curved layer at the front of your eye. It helps focus light so you can see clearly.
With keratoconus, the cornea becomes thinner and, over time, can take on a more cone-like shape. That irregular shape bends light unevenly, so vision may look blurry or distorted.
It is often noticed in the teen years or early adulthood, although it progresses differently for each person.
Normal cornea
Cornea with keratoconus
Keratoconus Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Not everyone experiences all of them.
- Blurry vision
- Distorted vision
- Light sensitivity
- Halos around lights
- Glare
- Frequent prescription changes
- Trouble seeing at night
Causes & Associated Factors
Keratoconus is considered a multifactorial condition. These factors have been associated with it, but none of them is a definite cause on its own.
Eye rubbing
Frequent, vigorous eye rubbing has been linked to keratoconus.
Eye allergies
Allergies can increase itching and, with it, the habit of rubbing your eyes.
Other conditions
An association with some general health conditions has been described; your history is reviewed during the exam.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive eye exam. Depending on the case, it may include:
- Eye exam and prescription review
- Evaluation of the cornea
- Measurements of corneal curvature and thickness
- Corneal topography or tomography when clinically indicated
The Evaluation Process
- Initial evaluation
- Symptom review
- Corneal evaluation
- Visual needs
- Correction options
- Individualized plan
Each step is tailored to you; not everyone needs the same tests.
Treatment & Management
Options may vary depending on the shape of the cornea, how it changes over time and your visual needs.
Eyeglasses
In early stages, glasses may provide adequate vision for some people.
Soft lenses
Some soft lens designs may be an option in certain cases.
Gas permeable lenses
Rigid lenses that hold their shape and can compensate for part of the corneal irregularity.
Scleral lenses
Larger-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea.
Referral when appropriate
When appropriate, you are referred to other professionals to review other options. Dr. Belkis Perez, OD does not perform surgery.
Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter rigid lenses. Instead of resting on the cornea, they rest on the white of the eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea.
The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with fluid. The front of the lens provides a smooth optical surface, which may help some people with keratoconus see more clearly.
Whether they are right for you is determined in an individual evaluation, along with the appropriate fitting and follow-up care.
More About Scleral Lenses- Scleral lens
- Cornea
- Space over the cornea (vault)
- Ocular surface (sclera)
How Can Dr. Belkis Perez, OD Help?
Every case of keratoconus 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.
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