Top Keratoconus Treatment Options
Keratoconus treatment is not one-size-fits-all. While many patients are prescribed glasses, soft contact lenses, or even standard scleral lenses, these options do not always fully correct the complex visual distortions caused by keratoconus.
At Keratoconus Specialists of Maryland, we focus on advanced treatment solutions for patients who are still struggling with their vision. Using highly customized scleral lens designs, wavefront-guided optics, and specialized diagnostic technology, we help improve clarity, stability, and overall visual quality, often when other treatments have not been enough.
For over 40 years, our practice has focused on treating complex keratoconus cases, often achieving results where other approaches have fallen short.
Keratoconus is a progressive condition that causes the normally smooth cornea to become irregular, leading to glare, halos, ghosting, double vision, and reduced visual clarity. Our comprehensive treatment approach includes advanced specialty lenses, such as hybrid lenses, PROSE treatment, and EyePrint PRO—as well as surgical options when necessary.
Our goal is to restore clearer, more stable, and more comfortable vision by addressing higher-order aberrations (HOAs), which are responsible for many of the visual symptoms keratoconus patients experience.
Why Many Keratoconus Treatments Fall Short
Many keratoconus patients are told that once they are wearing contact lenses, especially scleral lenses, there is nothing more that can be done. However, this is not always the case.
Standard treatments often improve vision, but they do not always fully correct higher-order aberrations (HOAs) – the subtle optical distortions responsible for glare, halos, ghosting, and reduced visual clarity. As a result, some patients continue to struggle even after seeing multiple doctors or trying different lenses.
At Keratoconus Specialists of Maryland, we focus on identifying and addressing these underlying issues. By using advanced diagnostic technology and customized treatment approaches, we are often able to improve visual quality beyond what standard treatments alone can achieve.
Keratoconus Contact Lenses
Keratoconus contact lenses are often the first step beyond glasses for improving vision. Options such as soft lenses and hybrid lenses can help provide better clarity and comfort, especially in earlier stages of the condition. While these lenses may not fully correct more advanced visual distortions, they can still play an important role in managing keratoconus for many patients.
Custom Scleral Lenses
Custom scleral lenses represent a more advanced approach to keratoconus treatment. These lenses vault over the cornea and are designed using highly precise measurements, including eye scans or cornea molds. This allows for a more customized fit and improved visual stability, especially for patients with irregular corneas or those who have not achieved success with traditional lenses.
Advanced Optical Correction
For patients seeking the highest level of visual clarity, advanced optical corrections go beyond standard lens designs. Technologies such as wavefront-guided lenses are designed to correct higher-order aberrations (HOAs), reducing glare, halos, ghosting, and other distortions. This level of customization can significantly improve overall visual quality for patients with complex keratoconus.
Keratoconus Surgical Treatments
In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, particularly when there is progressive corneal thinning or structural instability. Procedures such as corneal cross-linking (CXL), Intacs, or corneal transplantation may be recommended to stabilize the cornea or restore its structure. These options are typically considered when non-surgical treatments are not sufficient.
1. What is the best treatment for keratoconus?
The best treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of the condition and the specific visual challenges a patient is experiencing. Many patients benefit from custom scleral lenses, while others may require advanced optical correction or, in some cases, surgical treatment. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the most appropriate approach.
2. Do scleral lenses fix keratoconus?
Scleral lenses do not cure keratoconus, but they can significantly improve vision by creating a smooth optical surface over the cornea. However, some patients may still experience visual distortions with standard scleral lenses, which is why more advanced options may be needed.
3. Why am I still seeing poorly with contact lenses?
Some patients continue to experience glare, halos, ghosting, or blurred vision even with contact lenses due to higher-order aberrations (HOAs). These distortions are not always fully corrected with standard lenses and may require more advanced, customized treatment options.
4. Are there non-surgical options for keratoconus?
Yes. Many patients can achieve significant improvements in vision without surgery through advanced contact lens options such as custom scleral lenses, wavefront-guided lenses, and other specialized designs. Surgical treatments are typically considered only when necessary.
5. When is surgery needed for keratoconus?
Surgery may be recommended when keratoconus is progressing or when the cornea becomes too irregular or unstable for contact lenses alone. Procedures such as corneal cross-linking (CXL), Intacs, or corneal transplantation may be considered depending on the individual case.