
For people with keratoconus, standard glasses or soft contact lenses may not provide the clear, comfortable vision they need. Because keratoconus changes the shape of the cornea, vision correction often requires a more customized approach. At Maple Eye Care, we offer specialty contact lens fittings for patients in Chittenden County who need lenses designed around their unique eye shape and vision needs.
Keratoconus occurs when the normally rounded cornea becomes thinner and develops a cone-like shape. This irregular surface can cause blurred or distorted vision, glare, halos, light sensitivity, and frequent changes in prescription.
Glasses can help in earlier stages, but as the cornea becomes more irregular, a standard prescription may no longer fully correct vision. Traditional soft contact lenses may also conform too closely to the irregular corneal surface. Specialty contact lenses can create a more uniform optical surface and improve functional vision.
Scleral lenses are larger-diameter rigid lenses that rest on the white portion of the eye, known as the sclera, rather than directly on the cornea. The lens vaults over the irregular corneal surface, creating a smooth optical system that can provide sharper vision.
A fluid reservoir between the lens and cornea may also help keep the ocular surface hydrated throughout the day. This can make scleral lenses particularly useful for patients who have keratoconus along with dryness or sensitivity.
For many Chittenden County patients with irregular corneas, scleral lenses can offer a combination of stable vision and comfort that may be difficult to achieve with traditional contacts.
A specialty contact lens evaluation may be appropriate if you experience:
• Blurry or distorted vision even with updated glasses
• Difficulty seeing clearly with standard soft contacts
• Frequent prescription changes caused by keratoconus
• Glare, halos, or reduced nighttime vision
• Contact lens discomfort related to an irregular cornea
• Difficulty achieving consistent vision throughout the day
Specialty contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. A successful fitting requires a detailed evaluation of the cornea, prescription, eye health, and how the lens interacts with the surface of the eye.
During the fitting process, we assess how the lens centers, how much clearance it provides over the cornea, and whether it delivers the vision and comfort you need. Adjustments may be
made to the lens design until an appropriate fit is achieved. This personalized process is especially important with keratoconus because no two corneas have exactly the same shape or degree of irregularity.
Living with keratoconus does not necessarily mean settling for blurry or unstable vision. With the right specialty contact lens design, we can work to provide clearer, more reliable vision while supporting the health and comfort of your eyes.
Schedule a specialty contact lens fitting with Maple Eye Care to find out whether scleral or custom contact lenses may be right for your keratoconus. Contact our office in Williston, VT, by calling (802) 862-1947 to book an appointment today.