Keratoconus and Hard-to-Fit Contact Lens Care in Manlius and Syracuse, NY

Certain eye conditions can impact vision and the fit of contact lenses. Fortunately, the professional team at Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C. in Manlius and Syracuse, NY, is here to help. Our experienced optometrists provide comfortable contact lenses for patients dealing with ocular diseases like keratoconus. Learn more about our hard-to-fit contact lens services.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the eyes. It results in the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped covering of the eye) getting thinner, which causes it to bulge outward and create a cone shape. Keratoconus may be difficult for patients to recognize because it shares some similarities with other eye conditions. Symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Cloudiness of vision
• Increased sensitivity or glare, particularly when driving at night
• Decreased vision quality

Keratoconus may start out mild, allowing the individual to simply wear glasses or traditional soft contact lenses. As the condition worsens, eye doctors may have to prescribe alternatives, such as special fitting lenses. While the exact cause of keratoconus is still unknown, medical experts believe genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Individuals with a family history of the condition are at greater risk, as well as those who have other conditions, such as Down syndrome, asthma, hay fever, and retinitis pigmentosa. People who frequently rub their eyes are also more likely to be affected by the disease.

Hard-to-Fit Contact Lenses for Patients With Keratoconus

Before treating keratoconus, eye doctors will examine your eyes to ensure a proper diagnosis. They may use several types of exams, including keratometry exams or slit-lamp exams, each of which involves using light to better view the surface of the cornea. Another option is corneal topography, in which the cornea is imaged using an instrument that creates a 3D digital representation of the cornea. It instantly scans over 6,000 points of corneal curvature, creating, in effect, a digital mold, making it easier to design a corrective contact lens. This test is also helpful for detecting signs of the disease before symptoms show up.

A common treatment option for keratoconus is to focus on improving vision. While the early stages of the disease may be simply treated with eyeglasses or soft contacts, advanced versions may require specialized eyewear. As the cornea bulges, traditional contact lenses won’t fit properly, so hard-to-fit patients may have hard contacts recommended.

Gas permeable (GP) or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are made of hard plastic to help retain their shape, making them a great choice for those with keratoconus. They can also be ideal for patients with astigmatism or who have recently had refractive surgery.

At Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., our eye doctors specialize in fitting contacts for patients with different eye shapes, making sure every patient gets a comfortable fit for their lenses.

Why Choose Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C.?

When you trust the team at Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., you can expect a commitment to you and your personal needs. Benefits of choosing our eyecare specialists include:

• 75+ years of experience as eye doctors
• Use of innovative technologies and advanced medical equipment to provide complete care
• High-quality products, including frames and contact lenses, to ensure our patients get the care they deserve
• Complete medical and therapeutic vision care that addresses most non-surgical eye care conditions through exams, fittings, and more
• Continued contact lens care to help you if you have a complication in the future

When you visit our offices, you’ll experience quality care that isn’t rushed. Each eye doctor will take the time to provide personalized care, whether you need hard-to-fit contact lenses for keratoconus or other services.