Vision Therapy in Columbia

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(573) 447-2020

Understanding Keratoconus: A Vision Disorder

Your cornea, the clear, round, front surface of your eye, is the first ocular tissue that light passes through on its way to the retina. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin, steepen, and form an irregular cone-shape. This transformation causes light to focus on the retina incorrectly, which leads to distorted vision.

woman putting in contact


What Are the Symptoms of Keratoconus?

There are two primary ways keratoconus affects your vision, and it shows up as:

  • Irregular Astigmatism: The cornea, which typically has a smooth spherical shape, undergoes a transformation into a cone-like structure. This alteration results in a wavy and uneven corneal surface, known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the front part of your eye expands, your vision becomes increasingly nearsighted. This means that you can only see objects clearly when they are up close (however in keratoconus, even objects at near may still appear distorted). Anything at a distance appears blurry.
  • Variable or quickly changing vision. The inability to achieve clear vision in glasses or soft contacts when it had been possible in the recent past.

Recognizing the signs of keratoconus is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Double or triple vision when using just one eye
  • Blurriness of objects both near and far
  • Perception of bright lights with halos around them
  • Presence of light streaks
  • The presence of ghost images
  • Persistent blurry vision that affects your ability to drive safely

adding contact drops

Causes and Risk Factors: Can it Damage Your Vision?

The precise cause of keratoconus remains unknown. Researchers believe that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

However, several factors have been associated with the development of keratoconus:

Family History: If a family member has been diagnosed with keratoconus, there is an increased likelihood of inheriting the condition. If you have keratoconus, it is advisable to have your children's eyes examined for early signs, by the age of 10 at the latest. Early detection of keratoconus is crucial for successful management and prevention of severe disease.

Certain Medical Conditions: Research has indicated a correlation between keratoconus and systemic conditions such as Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, retinitis pigmentosa, sleep apnea, Lebers congenital amaurosis, Marfan’s, and other connective tissue disorders.Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like allergies, asthma, or atopic eye disease have the potential to weaken the corneal tissue over time.

Eye Rubbing: Vigorous and persistent eye rubbing can lead to corneal damage. Excessive eye rubbing can accelerate its progression for individuals already diagnosed with keratoconus.


Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus: The Game-Changer

Keratoconus presents a unique challenge when it comes to vision correction. Traditional gas permeable? contact lenses often prove ineffective as they cannot conform to the irregular corneal shape. This is where scleral lenses step in as an innovative solution.

Here are four compelling reasons to consider scleral lenses for keratoconus:

  • Enhanced Comfort

    Scleral lenses are larger in diameter compared to traditional rigid gas permeable contact lenses, spreading their weight across a broader, less sensitive area, ensuring comfort during extended wear.

  • Improved Vision

    Unlike glasses, which often offer limited visual improvement for keratoconus patients, scleral lenses can significantly enhance vision clarity and stability.

  • Constant Moisture

    Scleral lenses provide a continuous reservoir of moisture between the lens and the eye's surface, ensuring a soothing and moisture-rich environment for the eyes.

  • No More Eye Rubbing

    The design of scleral lenses minimizes the need for eye rubbing by reducing inciting factors of ocular surface and lid inflammation due to allergy response, reducing the risk of further corneal damage and discomfort.

Patient Reviews
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240 Reviews
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- Nov. 26, 2024
Had a fantastic experience at Advanced Vision today. Spent way less than I was anticipating and came... out with more than I thought I would. The staff were very transparent about costs and gave me plenty of options when I came time to purchase contacts. Will be going again soon for some glasses.
- Oct. 17, 2024
Quick, reliable and friendly service by a local team!
- Oct. 10, 2024
Dr. Jill Radkowiec is such a personable doctor and immediately puts you at ease. She is very thoroug... h in the medical process and helping you get what you need for your vision health. I would totally recommend her to anyone needing vision care.
- Sep. 08, 2024
Evie and the other ladies were very accommodating and Profesional. They made my 10 year old son and... I feel like part of the family
- Aug. 26, 2024
Dr. Jill was awesome and I love my glasses!!
- Aug. 09, 2024
Jill and staff are all pleasant and the upmost professionals. This is a well ran business and I high... ly recommend them.
- Jul. 04, 2024
Great service and my glasses were great, no adjustments needed!
- Jun. 16, 2024
Dr. Jill is really great! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable too. Do I mention how awesome Dr.... Jill is?! 😀
- May. 22, 2024
Hadn’t been to an eye doctor in 8 years, the care was great and the people were wonderful. Definit... ely recommend.
- May. 09, 2024
Everyone is fantastic, especially Evie, who not only possesses expertise but also patience. She is s... upportive and professional, a delight with which to work.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Amazinggggg staff, customer service like no other. Amazing group of ladies who run the show and mak... e you feel so great. Thanks for all that you do
- Mar. 14, 2024
All the staff worked together to bring my vision back to normal!
- Mar. 06, 2024
Very nice team!
- Jan. 15, 2024
They are very nice & polite.. very helpful.
- Dec. 09, 2023
Great experience! Friendly and thorough
- Nov. 30, 2023
Very friendly and attentive staff!!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Appointments are easily made. If urgent situations arise, the office is accommodating and supportiv... e. The staff are professional and the equipment is modern. Dr. Jill is excellent. Thank you for helping me with my vision needs.
- Oct. 10, 2023
Dr. Jill and her team are not only professional but engaging. I appreciate the attention to detail, ... particularly the testing they did, in an effort to provide a baseline for my vision moving forward. From the initial call to schedule the visit all the way through picking out glasses the staff was exceptional. Their commitment to providing excellent customer service and optical care in a professional yet comfortable environment makes me give them a grade of A. I will highly recommend them to my clientele and look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Jill and her staff. On a side note I read many previous reviews on this business before deciding to contact and go with this office. I would encourage people to give this office a chance. When Dr. Jalali and his office became affiliated with another company change was bound to happen. Growing pains are always going to part of the process but I felt as though they were trying to improve on their short comings. Dr. Jill believes eye care is important and made me feel that from the moment she began our testing. If something were wrong I believe she would address it then even if it may put another appointment behind. While not always convenient I take comfort in knowing something isn’t being rushed and missed. I’m not a paid endorser rather an actual patient who happens to own a business myself. Reviews, be them good or bad, can cause people to miss out on a service or a provider who would be a perfect fit for them.
- Sep. 14, 2023
I feel I am receiving quality care.
- Aug. 19, 2023
Love my new glasses which is important for work. Thank you.

View All 240 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Columbia

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Advanced Vision

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide life-changing improvement in vision clarity and comfort for those battling keratoconus.If you or a loved one has keratoconus and would like to explore the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with Advanced Vision today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(573) 447-2020