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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172 Reviews
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- Oct. 05, 2024
I was referred by a new PT for dizziness when I complained that my eyes felt different when I was di... zzy. I'd had 2 other prescriptions in the past year. Such a relief to finally have the right one.
- Sep. 28, 2024
Great staff and great service. I've been a patient for almost 20 years. Highly recommend!
- Sep. 26, 2024
September 2024, Extremely pleased!
- Sep. 18, 2024
Highly recommend. Friendly and professional.
- Sep. 01, 2024
Dr Halscheid is a caring doctor that takes his time to get to know his patients. He is knowledgeable... and kind. He has helped and is helping me through my eye issues. I am so grateful that he was recommended to me.
- Aug. 24, 2024
We have been patients of Dr Steven Reto for decades. He is an outstanding doctor who is caring, pati... ent, and outstanding in every way!
- Aug. 23, 2024
Great Staff & always Dr. Reto is there to help you with your vision issues!!!
- Aug. 18, 2024
This practice is amazing! The doctors are wonderful and the staff is helpful and friendly.
- Aug. 10, 2024
i came in to needing glasses over 30 which can be difficult and i struggled trying to adjust. If you... are looking for a physician who still provides a wonderful bedside manner Dr Reto is your guy! i've never met such a caring doctor before he very much cares about your health and you as a person! i look forward to my visits with him yearly!
- Aug. 06, 2024
Great experience choosing and ordering glasses!
- Jul. 31, 2024
I have my regular vision care here and recently had them put my prescription in sunglasses frames th... at had belong to my son who recently passed away. The staff were extremely caring and ensured that the process went smoothly. I highly recommend them.
- Jun. 05, 2024
Dr. Reto is absolutely top notch. One of the most confidence-inspiring doctors I've known.
- Mar. 14, 2024
This is a great practice. Excellent care and customer service. Everyone is so professional and nice... .
- Mar. 11, 2024
The professionals at Clompus Reto and Halscheid have always been top notch. I appreciate the thorou... gh exams and honest conversations regarding eye care and general health.
- Jan. 24, 2024
Dr. Halscheid and staff are truly awesome. Highly recommend.
- Jan. 20, 2024
(Translated by Google) Love Dr. Halschied and medical staff. (Original) Love Dr Halschied and medic... al staff.
- Jan. 11, 2024
Dr. Reto is wonderful. We've been going to him for years.
- Dec. 12, 2023
Professional and polite service A to Z.....would not hesitate to recommend to friends and family.
- Nov. 28, 2023
I have been very pleased for many years for the expert care Dr. Reto and his staff have provided to ... keep my vision crisp and clear, including recommendations for cataract surgery. Thank you.
- Nov. 21, 2023
Best eye care in Pa !!

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Scleral Lenses in West Chester

Our optometry practice in West Chester

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  • 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
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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