Keratoconus is a condition where the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea) becomes thin and starts to bulge forward. Instead of being smoothly rounded, it becomes cone-shaped. When that happens, vision can become blurry, distorted, shadowed, and hard to correct with normal glasses or soft contact lenses.
People with keratoconus often say things like:
- “My vision looks doubled.”
- “Night driving is getting really tough.”
- “My glasses just aren’t working anymore.”
What Is a Scleral Lens?
A scleral lens is a special custom contact lens that is larger than a regular contact lens. It doesn’t sit on the cornea at all. Instead, it gently rests on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and vaults over the cornea.
That space between the lens and the eye is filled with a smooth layer of liquid. This does 2 very important things:
- It creates a new, clearer focusing surface in front of the eye.
- It can make the eye feel more comfortable.
For many people with keratoconus, after they have been fit with a scleral lens, they can experience crisp, stable vision.
Benefits of Scleral Lenses
Sharper Vision
Scleral lenses can reduce blur, streaking, halos, and double images that glasses sometimes cannot fix.
Comfort
Most patients find them surprisingly comfortable once they’re shown how to insert and remove them properly.
Stability
The lens stays in place because it rests on the sclera, so vision is consistent throughout the day.
Does Keratoconus Require Surgery?
Not always. Years ago, many people with keratoconus eventually needed corneal surgery. Today, with modern imaging, close monitoring, and treatments like scleral lenses (and in some cases corneal cross-linking to help stabilize the cornea), a lot of our patients live full, normal lives without needing a corneal transplant.
After Diagnosis
If you’ve been diagnosed, or you’ve been told you might have keratoconus, you should be evaluated by an eye doctor who fits custom scleral lenses regularly. This is not the same as a standard contact lens fitting. It’s a more customized process.
How Can We Help?
If you’re struggling with blur, double-vision, or trouble driving at night, schedule a visit with our team at Premier Vision Group. We’ll map the shape of your cornea, talk about whether you’re a scleral lens candidate, and build a plan to protect your long-term vision.