Understanding Keratoconus: Why Specialty Contact Lenses Are Often the Best Solution

Keratoconus is a complex eye condition that gradually changes the shape of your cornea - the clear, front surface of your eye that focuses light. Instead of maintaining its smooth, rounded form, the cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted or blurred vision. Many people begin noticing increased sensitivity to light, frequent prescription changes, or difficulty seeing clearly even with glasses or standard contact lenses. Understanding how keratoconus affects your eyes and why specialty contact lenses are often the best solution is key to protecting and improving your vision.

Why Traditional Contact Lenses Fall Short

In the early stages of keratoconus, eyeglasses or standard soft contact lenses may correct vision adequately. But as the cornea becomes more irregular, traditional lenses often fail to provide stable, clear vision. Regular lenses conform to the cornea’s shape - and when the cornea is uneven, these lenses can slip, move excessively, or cause discomfort. This is why patients often experience worsening vision and discomfort with conventional contacts as keratoconus progresses.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses in Mansfield, Texas are designed to provide optimal vision and comfort for patients with irregular corneas, such as those caused by keratoconus. These custom-made lenses offer a tailored fit that compensates for the unique curvature of each patient’s eye. 

Depending on the severity of the condition, options may include rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid lenses, or scleral lenses - all of which deliver clearer, more stable vision than standard contacts.

The Benefits of Scleral Lenses

Among specialty lenses, scleral lenses in Mansfield, TX are often considered the best solution for keratoconus. Unlike smaller lenses that rest directly on the cornea, scleral lenses vault over the corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). This design creates a smooth optical surface and a liquid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, helping to:

• Provide exceptional visual clarity

• Enhance comfort, even for sensitive eyes

• Keep the cornea hydrated throughout the day

• Protect the fragile corneal surface from friction and irritation

Scleral lenses not only restore clear, functional vision but also improve overall eye comfort - making daily activities like reading, driving, and using digital devices much easier for those with keratoconus.

See the Difference with Custom Contact Lenses at Sonie Family Eyecare

Keratoconus can be a challenging condition, but with today’s advanced contact lens technology, clear and comfortable vision is within reach. Specialty contact lenses, especially scleral lenses, offer a customized and effective solution for managing this condition long-term.

If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or are struggling with traditional contact lenses, schedule an eye exam at Sonie Family Eyecare to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Mansfield, Texas, or call (817) 477-6684 to book an appointment today.