Contacts for Keratoconus: What Are My Options?

The actual prevalence of keratoconus is not yet known. But it's been estimated to occur in one in every 2,000 Americans in the general population. While it's not exactly a common progressive eye disease, it's by no means rare, either. In fact, its incidence is found in all parts of the United States and even in the rest of the world.


People who have keratoconus experience blurry vision, light sensitivity, and irregular astigmatism. These result from the thinning and weakening of the cornea. It's not clear what exactly causes keratoconus. But some studies suggest that it may run in families. Environmental influences also seem to contribute. 

Experts believe that contact lenses are the best treatment to correct vision, especially for more severe cases of keratoconus. Here are the different types of contacts that your eye doctor may recommend:
 

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses. This is the type of contact lenses that eye doctors prescribe to patients diagnosed with keratoconus. RGP contacts hold the tear fluid within the gap between the rigid back surface of the contact lens and your irregularly shaped corneal surface. This neutralizes the irregularities at the front surface of your eye. RGPs are available in highly permeable materials. Since they provide the best level of vision, many doctors first recommend this contact lens option for their patients. 
  
   

• Soft Toric Contact Lenses. Standard contact lenses come with a spherical surface. In contrast, a toric lens has a donut shape. This particular shape allows different focusing powers on both vertical and horizontal orientations. Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism issues associated with keratoconus. In most cases, patients who have keratoconus still in its early stages do well with soft contacts. 
  
   

• Piggyback Systems. Some patients who use RGP contacts experience discomfort. Their cone-shaped cornea steepens, then the apex thins from wearing RGPs. This sometimes leads to abrasion, inflammation, and irritation. So, as the patient's keratoconus progresses, they tend to decrease their wearing time. One way to avoid this is through a piggyback system. It involves placing soft contacts beneath the RGP contacts. This helps flatten and protect the patient's corneal surface. Thus, it improves comfort as well as wearing time. 
  
   

• Hybrid Contact Lenses. This contact lens is a great alternative for those who have keratoconus with a very steep, thin, and decentered cone apex. Hybrid contact lens designs consist of an RGP center and a soft skirt edge. This combines the better lens centration and reduced aberrations in RGPs and the comfort that soft contacts offer. Both piggyback and hybrid lenses offer these benefits. These latest materials treat many patients struggling with keratoconus better.
  
   

• Scleral Contact Lenses. Scleral contacts are RGP contacts that are larger than usual. It is about 13 millimeters in diameter or greater. The large diameter helps keratoconus patients by providing a large and well-centered optical zone. This lessens movement with each blink, stabilizes vision, and enhances comfort. 

Are you wondering which contact lens option is best for your case? Contact Electric City Eye Care today in Anderson, South Carolina, to discuss the best treatment for your keratoconus. Call (864)-224-2088 to schedule a consultation today!