Keratoconus Specialists in Phoenix, AZ

Specialized Keratoconus Treatment at Arizona's Vision

Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye that focuses light into your eye. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where your cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. This bulge changes the shape of your cornea, bringing light rays out of focus and causing your vision to become blurry and distorted.

At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, our specialized optometrists have extensive experience in diagnosing and managing keratoconus. We understand how this condition can make daily tasks like reading or driving difficult, and we're here to help you achieve the clearest vision possible through advanced treatment options and specialized contact lens fittings.

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus typically begins in the late teens or early twenties and can progress over 10-20 years before stabilizing. As the cornea becomes more irregular in shape, vision becomes progressively worse. Understanding this condition is the first step toward effective management.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Common signs and symptoms of keratoconus include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Frequent prescription changes
• Difficulty with night vision
• Multiple ghost images
• Eye irritation or excessive eye rubbing
• Sudden worsening or clouding of vision (advanced stages)

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of keratoconus isn't fully understood, several factors may increase your risk:

• Family history of keratoconus
• Vigorous eye rubbing
• Certain eye conditions (retinitis pigmentosa, vernal keratoconjunctivitis)
• Systemic conditions (Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome)
• Chronic eye inflammation and allergies

Our Comprehensive Keratoconus Treatment Approach

At Arizona's Vision, we offer comprehensive keratoconus management tailored to the severity and progression of your condition. Our approach includes:

1. Advanced Diagnostic Technology

We use corneal topography to map the surface of your cornea, detecting even subtle changes in corneal shape. This technology allows us to:

• Accurately diagnose keratoconus in its early stages
• Monitor disease progression over time
• Design customized treatment plans
• Precisely fit specialty contact lenses

2. Specialized Contact Lens Fittings

For many keratoconus patients, specialized contact lenses are the most effective way to achieve clear, comfortable vision. We offer various options:

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses provide a smooth optical surface to correct the irregular corneal shape, offering excellent vision correction for mild to moderate keratoconus.

Scleral Lenses

These large-diameter lenses vault over the entire cornea, resting on the white part of your eye (sclera). They provide:

• Superior comfort compared to traditional RGP lenses
• Stable vision throughout the day
• Protection and moisture for the corneal surface
• Excellent results for advanced keratoconus

Hybrid Lenses

Combining an RGP center with a soft lens skirt, hybrid lenses offer both clarity and comfort for keratoconus patients.

Piggyback Systems

A soft lens worn beneath an RGP lens can improve comfort while maintaining excellent vision correction.

3. Corneal Cross-Linking Referrals

For progressive keratoconus, we can refer you to specialists for corneal cross-linking (CXL), a procedure that strengthens corneal tissue and can slow or halt disease progression.

4. Surgical Consultation

In advanced cases where contact lenses are no longer effective, we can refer you to corneal specialists for procedures such as Intacs (corneal inserts) or corneal transplantation.

Living with Keratoconus: Management Tips

While there's no cure for keratoconus, proper management can help maintain good vision and eye health:

• Avoid Eye Rubbing: This can worsen corneal thinning and disease progression
• Manage Allergies: Control eye allergies to reduce itching and rubbing
• Regular Follow-Ups: Monitor progression with routine examinations
• Proper Lens Care: Maintain strict hygiene with specialty contact lenses
• Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity

Why Choose Arizona's Vision for Keratoconus Care?

When you choose our keratoconus specialists, you benefit from:

• Extensive experience fitting specialty contact lenses for keratoconus
• State-of-the-art corneal mapping technology
• Comprehensive range of lens options
• Patient-centered care focused on your unique needs
• Ongoing support and adjustments for optimal comfort
• Coordination with corneal specialists when needed
• Compassionate team who understands the challenges of keratoconus

Take Control of Your Keratoconus

Don't let keratoconus limit your life. With proper diagnosis, specialized contact lenses, and expert care, you can maintain clear, functional vision. The keratoconus specialists at Arizona's Vision are here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule Your Consultation or call us at (480) 706-3937