Why Glasses Aren’t Always Enough ?

Because keratoconus causes the cornea to become irregularly shaped, standard glasses often cannot fully correct vision. Light entering the eye gets scattered, leading to blur, distortion, and double images.
Contact lenses are usually the most effective way to achieve clear, comfortable vision by creating a new, smooth optical surface over the cornea.

Contact Lenses for Keratoconus

No single lens design works for everyone with keratoconus.
It may take several fittings and adjustments to find the lens that provides the best balance of vision, comfort, and corneal health.
Regular follow-up with your eye care practitioner is essential.

Main Lens Types

1. Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses

• Small, firm lenses that create a smooth front surface for clearer vision.
• A thin tear film fills the space between the lens and cornea, masking irregularities.
• Excellent visual quality but may require a period of adaptation for comfort.

2. Custom Soft (Silicone Hydrogel) Lenses

• Thicker and custom-designed to match the corneal shape.
• Useful for mild keratoconus or when comfort is a priority.
• May not fully correct vision in more advanced cases.

3. Hybrid Lenses

• Combine a rigid centre (for sharp vision) with a soft outer skirt (for comfort).
• Ideal for patients who cannot tolerate traditional RGP lenses.
• New-generation designs offer better oxygen flow and stability.

4. Scleral and Mini-Scleral Lenses

• Large-diameter lenses that rest on the white of the eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea.
• Filled with sterile saline before insertion, creating a liquid cushion that protects the cornea and provides stable vision.
• Suitable for moderate to advanced keratoconus; very comfortable despite their size.
• Require good hygiene and regular review to maintain ocular health.

5. Piggyback Lens Systems

• Involves wearing two lenses on the same eye: a soft lens underneath and a rigid lens on top.
• The soft lens acts as a cushion, increasing comfort when the cornea is sensitive or irregular.
• Used mainly as a temporary solution, not a long-term treatment.
• Requires strict hygiene and regular check-ups are vital.

Finding the Right Fit

No single lens design works for everyone with keratoconus. What works well for one patient may not work for another, even with similar corneal shapes.
It may take several fittings and adjustments to find the lenses that provide the best balance of vision, comfort, and corneal health.

Some patients may even use two different types of lenses for different purposes for example:

• One lens for daily wear or work
• Another lens for extended comfort during sports or special occasions

Important Advice for All Lens Wearers

• Always follow your practitioner’s instructions for cleaning, disinfection, and replacement.
• Attend regular aftercare visits to ensure a healthy cornea and proper lens fit.
• Report discomfort, redness, or vision changes promptly.