Vision Therapy in West Chester

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(610) 696-1368

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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303 Reviews
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- Nov. 04, 2025
Simply the best!
- Nov. 01, 2025
High quality care with patience for a not relaxed patient!
- Oct. 31, 2025
Very friendly team. The doctors and staff are very knowledgeable and professional. They listen to ... your concerns and answer any question and genuinely want to help you. Recommend
- Oct. 28, 2025
I have been a patient of Dr. Reto for probably 20 years. I completely trust this practice and would... n't go anywhere else!
- Oct. 21, 2025
I highly recommend Clompus Reto and Halscheid Vision - West Chester Team! All of the staff were extr... emely friendly and helpful. They were also very transparent about optional services and pricing, with no pressure at all. My visit with Dr. Allen was thorough, and every detail was clearly explained throughout the appointment. Overall, a great experience!
- Oct. 01, 2025
This is the best practice in the area for vision needs. I am a long time patient and I highly recomm... end Dr. Halscheid!
- Oct. 01, 2025
Dr. Reto and his staff are always so friendly, courteous, and professional. I always feel that my h... ealth is in very good hands. Thank you
- Oct. 01, 2025
The staff was very friendly and helpful. Dr. Reto was very knowledgeable, kind and calming. He expl... ained everything very well. I highly recommend him and this practice.
- Sep. 11, 2025
On time, courteous , and thorough. They care.
- Sep. 04, 2025
Dr. Halscheid is an outstanding health provider. He listens to your problem and does his best to co... rrect it. He is a caring and knowledgeable professional. I've been pleased with his service for about 20 years.
- Aug. 02, 2025
Dr Penney is excellent to deal with.
- Jul. 13, 2025
Dr. Retro and the staff are always so pleasant. I have great confidence in their knowledge from the ... exam to the fitting of the glasses.
- May. 12, 2025
Doctor Reto is great. Spends time with his patients. Office professionals are all wonderful.
- May. 11, 2025
This practice has been fantastic with my eye care needs!
- May. 09, 2025
Love Clompus, Reto & Halscheid Vision!
- May. 08, 2025
They are very professional and personable. Always treat you with respect and kindness. Little to n... o wait time for your appointment. Always someone there to help with choosing glasses.
- May. 05, 2025
Excellent eye care from Dr Reto and staff.
- Mar. 27, 2025
Been going to Dr Halscheid for several years he is phenomenal and the team is very helpful. I'll con... tinue to be a patient of theirs
- Mar. 11, 2025
I've been happy with this practice for decades and keep coming back. The staff is courteous, profes... sional, and knowledgeable.
- Mar. 03, 2025
Extremely welcoming and knowledgeable staff. I would recommend this practice to anyone!

View All 303 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in West Chester

Our optometry practice in West Chester

Photograph of Courtney Allen
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 27 Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • VBA
  • VSP
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • United Healthcare
  • Keystone 65
  • Medicare

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Clompus Reto and Halscheid Vision - West Chester

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 Clompus Reto and Halscheid Vision - West Chester today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(610) 696-1368