What is Keratoconus
Have you been struggling with glare, halos, and poor vision even after getting new glasses or contacts?
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape of the cornea. Normally, the cornea is round and smooth, but in people with keratoconus, it becomes thin and bulges outward into a cone shape.
This can cause problems with vision, such as blurriness, distortion, and sensitivity to light. Many patients feel frustrated with their vision. It can cause nearsightedness, astigmatism, and even vision loss. The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetics and environmental factors. It typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood and may progress over time.
Treatment options include:
Keratoconus Issues:
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape of the cornea. Normally, the cornea is round and smooth, but in people with keratoconus, it becomes thin and bulges outward into a cone shape.
This can cause problems with vision, such as blurriness, distortion, and sensitivity to light. Many patients feel frustrated with their vision. It can cause nearsightedness, astigmatism, and even vision loss. The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetics and environmental factors. It typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood and may progress over time.
Treatment options include:
- Eyeglasses (minimally useful)
- Scleral contact lenses (BEST option)
- Surgery (as needed)
Keratoconus Issues:
- Frustration with vision
- Glare
- Distortion
- Poor nighttime vision
- Difficulty with glasses and regular contacts
From Dr. Tahir:
Our patients shows significant keratoconus. We can see how the cornea, the front clear part of the eye is bulging forward causing distortion in vision, increased glare and poor overall vision. This picture was taken in our office highlighting the cross section of the cornea.
Glasses are not a great option for any keratoconus patient. Scleral contact lenses or similar, fitted properly are one of the best options for clear comfortable vision.
Our patients shows significant keratoconus. We can see how the cornea, the front clear part of the eye is bulging forward causing distortion in vision, increased glare and poor overall vision. This picture was taken in our office highlighting the cross section of the cornea.
Glasses are not a great option for any keratoconus patient. Scleral contact lenses or similar, fitted properly are one of the best options for clear comfortable vision.
How to Diagnose?
Diagnosing and treating keratoconus can be challenging because of its complex nature. Dr. Tahir takes pride in his ability to fit hard-to-fit corneas, such as those affected by keratoconus, and ensure that every patient achieves optimal vision and comfort.
Dr. Tahir is a premier fitter of Scleral Lenses in the Joliet and surrounding area.
Dr. Tahir is a premier fitter of Scleral Lenses in the Joliet and surrounding area.
We can see with this specialized scan, budging of the cornea in the lower sections. The left eye is much worse than the right eye. This patient notes great difficulty with vision, significant glare and halos especially with nighttime driving. Scleral Contact Lenses fitted through out office have giving this patient excellent vision and the ability to get back to daily living.
What are My Options?
- Scleral RGPs (Best option)
- Hybrid Contacts (SynergEyes CK lens, Ultra Health, excellent option)
- Soft Specialty Lens (NovaKone)
- Cross Linking (Paired with Scleral RGPs)
- Corneal transplant (As needed)
- Corneal Intacts (Possibility - but older technology)
- Piggybacking two contacts (soft and hard - works well but older idea)
- Eyeglasses (Usually only as a back up as they can't correct the issues of keratoconus)
- LASIK (not an option due to the nature of keratoconus)
Payment Options
Keratoconus is a medical condition and many times your major medical insurance will cover the tests and lenses involved. Many vision insurances such as VSP and EyeMed also have allotments for "medical nessary contact lenses" making them very affordable.
We also offer Care Credit, 6 month no interest financing, right through our office making clear comfortable vision a reality.
Give us a call and we can check your vision or medical insurance for you. 815-744-3222
We also offer Care Credit, 6 month no interest financing, right through our office making clear comfortable vision a reality.
Give us a call and we can check your vision or medical insurance for you. 815-744-3222
- Keratoconus
- Hard to Fit Eyes
- High Prescriptions
- Dry Eyes
- Irregular Corneas
- Sjogren's Syndrome
Billable to Insurance
Many vision and medical insurance cover medically necessary contact lenses depending on your condition. |
Sharper Vision
GP (Gas Permeable) lens offer the sharpest vision and are available in a variety of prescriptions. |
Comfortable - Easy Handling
Easy to insert and remove. Scleral lens comfort lasts throughout the day and provide sharp vision. |
Low Complications
Only FDA therapeutic device available to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the cornea. |