Have you noticed your vision feels blurry or distorted, even with new glasses? You might see halos around lights at night or find that straight lines look wavy. These changes can be frustrating and often lead people to book an eye exam.
Blurry or distorted vision can have several causes, but one possible reason is keratoconus, a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges. Keratoconus can’t be fully cured, but it can be managed with treatments that help stabilize the cornea and improve your sight.
Understanding how keratoconus develops and what treatments are available can help you feel prepared if your optometrist finds signs of it during your exam.
What Is Keratoconus & How It Affects Your Vision
Think of your cornea as the clear front window of your eye—it helps focus light so you can see clearly. Keratoconus is a condition where this window thins and begins to bulge outward, forming a cone-like shape. This change alters the way light enters your eye, which can cause vision to become blurry.
The exact cause of keratoconus isn’t completely understood, but we know it can be connected to genetics and certain health conditions. Even frequent, vigorous eye rubbing may play a role in its development. Because of the irregular corneal shape, standard glasses often can’t provide the clear vision you need.
Common Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
The signs of keratoconus often appear during the late teens or early twenties and can develop slowly over a decade or more. You might notice that one eye is more affected than the other, and symptoms can shift over time. Paying attention to any changes in your vision is a great first step.
It’s helpful to be aware of what to look for so you can discuss any concerns with your optometrist. Recognizing these signs early can make a significant difference in managing the condition.
Key Symptoms
- Blurry or distorted vision, where straight lines may look wavy
- Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare
- A need for frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
- Sudden worsening or clouding of your vision
- Difficulty with night vision or seeing halos around lights
A Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Help
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a thorough eye health check is the best way to get clear answers. At our Saskatoon eye care clinic, we can assess your vision and corneal health. We take the time to listen to your concerns and explain our findings every step of the way.
The Diagnostic Process
We can often detect the first signs of keratoconus during routine eye exams. We use specific tools that allow us to get a close look at your cornea’s shape and thickness. This gives us a detailed picture of your eye health.
One of the most important tools we use is a corneal topographer, which creates a 3D map of your cornea’s surface. This map clearly shows us any irregularities or steep areas that may point to keratoconus. This information helps us understand the stage of the condition and recommend the right path forward for you.
Why Early Detection Matters
Identifying keratoconus in its early stages can open up more options for management. Early care can help slow or stop the progression of the cornea’s bulging. This approach helps preserve your vision for the long term.
Slowing the progression can also make vision correction with specialty lenses more effective. Regular appointments with your optometrist are an important part of protecting your sight. Our team is here to provide consistent care tailored to you.
Keratoconus Management & Treatment Approaches
Managing keratoconus involves two main goals: first, to stop the cornea from changing shape further, and second, to correct your vision. Our team works with you to develop a plan that fits your specific needs. We focus on solutions that can improve your daily comfort and clarity.
Slow the Progression
The primary goal is to strengthen your cornea to prevent it from bulging more. A common and effective procedure for this is called corneal cross-linking. It’s a non-invasive treatment that helps fortify the cornea.
This procedure uses a combination of vitamin B2 eye drops and a special UV light to strengthen the collagen fibres within your cornea. Think of it like reinforcing a structure to make it more stable. For many people, this can successfully halt the progression of the condition.
Improve Your Vision
After stabilizing the cornea, the focus shifts to giving you the clearest vision possible. While glasses can work in the very early stages, they often become less effective as the cornea’s shape becomes more irregular. This is because a standard lens can’t correct for the unique distortion.
Most people with keratoconus find that specialty contact lenses provide much sharper sight. These lenses are designed specifically for the unique shape of an eye with keratoconus. We perform careful contact lens fittings to find a solution that gives you clear and comfortable vision.
Specialty Eye Care Services for Clearer Vision
When it comes to correcting vision affected by keratoconus, one size does not fit all. Our vision clinic in Saskatoon offers a range of specialty eye care services to find the right option for you. We explore different types of lenses to see what works with your eyes and your lifestyle.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are a popular and comfortable option for many people with keratoconus. These are large-diameter lenses that gently rest on the sclera—the white part of your eye. They vault completely over the irregular cornea without touching it.
This design creates a perfectly smooth new surface for light to focus through, resulting in clear vision. The space between the lens and your cornea is filled with a soothing fluid, which can provide comfort, especially if you also experience symptoms of dry eye. We can discuss if this is a good fit for you during your appointment.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses are another innovative option that combines two types of materials. The center of the lens is rigid and breathable, providing the sharp, clear optics needed to correct for the corneal bulge. This firm center is what delivers crisp vision.
Surrounding the rigid center is a soft outer skirt, much like a traditional soft contact lens. This soft edge provides comfort for all-day wear. This unique combination can be an excellent solution for people who need clear vision but want the comfort of a soft lens.
Protect Your Sight with a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Living with changes in your vision can feel unsettling, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our optometrists take the time to explain what’s happening with your eyes and guide you through every step of your care.
At Brighton Eyecare, we offer comprehensive exams, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment plans to help protect your sight and keep you comfortable. Whether you need an assessment for keratoconus or fittings for specialty contact lenses, we’re here to support your long-term eye health.Book your comprehensive eye exam today and take the first step toward clearer, more confident vision.
