Vision Therapy in Greensburg Downtown Historic District

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(724) 837-1240

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
4.9
239 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Aug. 22, 2024
Fantastic staff and a great experience all around!
- Aug. 06, 2024
Natalie & Her Team of Vision experts are all Number One
- Jul. 09, 2024
Excellent staff and service
- May. 19, 2024
Very friendly. The staff has been nothing but kind since I started going there, about 2 yrs ago. The... doctor listens to my concerns and always answer me. She never makes me feel stupid for asking.
- Apr. 23, 2024
VERY NICE STAFF!
- Mar. 07, 2024
I had an eye emergency and they were able to get me in that day and start a treatment plan.
- Jan. 08, 2024
Originally recommended to me by someone who used to work there, which is always a good sign! I've be... en going there for over a year now and have always had a pleasant experience. Great doctors, great techs, great opticians. If you live anywhere near Greensburg, it's definitely worth the drive.
- Oct. 19, 2023
I have a difficult vision situation. Noble Vision doctor and staff are thorough, patient, understand... ing and accessible. Highly recommend.
- Oct. 13, 2023
My eyes are a challenge, but they take very good care of me.
- Sep. 06, 2023
I am very pleased with everyone at Noble Vision Center. I went there initially because I had somethi... ng in my eye that needed cleaned out and looked at. I continued to go there because they are so thorough. They are always helpful, even when I walk in for an eyeglass adjustment. I have been referring people ever since and I will continue to do so. And I highly recommend You go there!!
- Aug. 01, 2023
Friendly, Professional, Thorough!
- Jul. 24, 2023
I have had keratoconus for 25 years and have had poor vision. Dr. Noble and the entire staff are ex... tremly knowledgeable and pleasant I never imagined my eye sight could be this good. Other eye clinics just didn't want to be involved. Dr. Noble is amazing !!! She is very thorough. I would highly recommend Noble vision for anyone who wants the best care possible. .
- Jul. 05, 2023
The doctor is working with me to correct a physical issue with my vision. She is the first doctor t... o take active steps to try to reverse the effects of this issue.
- Jun. 04, 2023
State of the art equipment and very professional! The doctors and staff are wonderful and caring !
- May. 25, 2023
Outstanding staff. State of the art office. Excellent, knowledgeable physician.
- Apr. 21, 2023
Very courteous staff. The doctor was thorough and gave me a detailed explanation of my eye photos. ... I highly recommend this group.
- Apr. 18, 2023
Professional and courteous, pleasant surroundings -- all aspects of an eye appointment at Noble Visi... on Center are done well by all staff. State of the art equipment and very knowledgeable personnel.
- Mar. 03, 2023
Highly recommend!
- Jan. 29, 2023
Took me right away after I had scratched my eye
- Jan. 27, 2023
Welcoming and supportive

View All 239 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Greensburg Downtown Historic District

Our optometry practice in Greensburg Downtown Historic District

Photograph of Natalie  Noble
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • Aetna

chart

Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Noble Vision Center

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 Noble Vision Center today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(724) 837-1240