Welcome to our FAQ page, where we delve into some of the most frequently asked questions about keratoconus, shedding light on treatments such as Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), corneal transplants, Scleral lenses, PROSE, EyePrint Pro, and more. This resource is designed to provide clarity and insight into various aspects of keratoconus treatments, helping you navigate your journey with informed confidence.
Keratoconus Specialists of Maryland, where we have been dedicated to providing expert care for individuals with keratoconus for over 40 years. Our practice is at the forefront of keratoconus treatment, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with keratoconus, our team is committed to delivering the highest quality of care. We pride ourselves on our ability to restore hope and improve the vision of many patients who had previously felt hopeless about their condition. Our personalized approach ensures that every patient receives the best possible treatment, empowering them to achieve better vision and an enhanced quality of life.
We are proud to serve patients from across Maryland, including the cities of Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Frederick, Glen Burnie, Hunt Valley, Owings Mills, Pikesville, Rockville, and Towson. We also welcome many patients traveling from Virginia, including Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston, Tysons, and Vienna, as well as from Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, and York.
Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs) and Keratoconus
What are Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs) in the context of Keratoconus?
Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs) are complex visual distortions that occur when light rays entering the eye are not focused properly. In keratoconus, the irregular shape of the cornea can cause significant HOAs, leading to symptoms such as glare, halos, starbursts, and blurred vision.
How do HOAs affect vision in individuals with Keratoconus?
HOAs can significantly impact the quality of vision in individuals with keratoconus. They can cause difficulties with night vision, reduce contrast sensitivity, and create visual disturbances that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses.
Can HOAs be treated or minimized in patients with Keratoconus?
Yes, HOAs can be treated or minimized in patients with keratoconus through the use of specialty lenses such as scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, custom soft lenses, PVR PROSE, and EyePrint Pro. These lenses are designed to correct the irregular corneal shape and reduce the effects of HOAs, improving visual clarity and comfort.
How do specialty lenses help in reducing HOAs in Keratoconus?
Specialty lenses for keratoconus, such as scleral and hybrid lenses, provide a smooth refractive surface over the irregular cornea, effectively reducing the impact of HOAs. They create a tear-filled vault over the cornea, which neutralizes the irregularities and minimizes the higher-order aberrations, leading to clearer and more stable vision.
How are HOAs measured in patients with Keratoconus?
HOAs in patients with keratoconus are typically measured using wavefront aberrometry. This advanced diagnostic tool creates a detailed map of the eye’s optical system, capturing both lower-order aberrations (such as nearsightedness and astigmatism) and higher-order aberrations. The wavefront map helps eye care professionals understand the specific aberrations present and guides the customization of specialty lenses for optimal vision correction.