Vision Therapy in Longview

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(360) 577-1500

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
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439 Reviews
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- Jan. 13, 2026
I am pleased with how the staff took the time to make sure I was comfortable with each step of the a... ppointment and Dr Cheslock explained his diagnosis.
- Jan. 11, 2026
Everyone I interacted with was really nice. Just make sure to call and ask if they cover your insura... nce before you make your appointment online
- Jan. 07, 2026
Very nice and helpful making sure my glasses fit properly.
- Jan. 04, 2026
Came for emergency to me eye blurriness. I was seen quickly and found the issue and planned accordin... gly. Sad to hear doc is retiring. I have only seen him and I found him to be a kind and efficient doctor.
- Dec. 19, 2025
Friendly and professional staff from the Doctors to the front desk! Highly recommend using Cascade E... ye Care for your eye care needs!
- Dec. 11, 2025
I have had a very difficult time getting vision care with a physician that explained things. I walk... ed into Cascade eye care thinking to myself, just shut up let them give you new glasses, because they are not going to tell you anything useful. I was so wrong. I got to see Hanna Badger O.D. she spoke up explained my eye conditions in a manner that was respectful, useful, and explained my next steps. I know what's going on with my vision. I am go grateful, to just be treated like human and respected.
- Dec. 10, 2025
Dr. Bill has been great for helping with my vision!
- Dec. 04, 2025
Best eye exam i’ve ever had .
- Nov. 11, 2025
I had a great experience at Cascade Eye Care. From the moment I walked in, everyone was friendly and... helpful. Kylie was awesome—really patient, personable, and made sure I was comfortable through the whole process. Dr. Bill was thorough and easy to talk to. He explained everything clearly and didn’t rush through the exam at all. I left feeling confident and well taken care of. I’d definitely recommend Cascade Eye Care to anyone needing eye care. 👍
- Oct. 20, 2025
Professional, courteous, helpful to the maxxxx! The Doctor was the best! Thank you folks
- Oct. 15, 2025
Everyone was so nice to me from the minute I walked in the door! My nurse (I think her name was Kate... ?) Was so kind talking me through all the weird machines and explaining what each one did. My doctor, doctor Badger was quick and to the point but still kind. She did a good job explaining things in a way I could understand. But my favorite part was picking the glasses! I was already stressed before I got there thinking of what pair I wanted and how to pick a pair that would fit me. Bernice, was so sweet and kind and helped me pick a pair I loved. I appreciated her honesty when trying on pairs that wouldn’t go with my face.
- Sep. 20, 2025
We are always greeted by a friendly staff. Tests are performed in a smooth flow by the employees, an... d meeting with Dr. Bill Cheslock is stress free and a pleasure.
- Sep. 19, 2025
Best eye appointment I have had in 50 plus years. The whole office was professional and helpful
- Sep. 03, 2025
They have all of the newest technology, with friendly and quality service.
- Aug. 29, 2025
I am a long time patient, I love the friendly staff! I wish Dr Bill and Bernice a happy retirement c... ome April 1st April fools day ha ha.
- Aug. 15, 2025
Caring, professional crew that check all the boxes.
- Aug. 13, 2025
These good people didn't try to sell me glasses that I don't need.
- Aug. 12, 2025
Great eye dr. Very helpful
- Aug. 05, 2025
Dr. Cheslock and the staff at Cascade Eye Care are fantastic and they really CARE, I love them.
- Jul. 20, 2025
Friendly staff, atmosphere is great

View All 439 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Longview

Our optometry practice in Longview

Photograph of William  Cheslock
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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  • Sunday Closed
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Cascade Eye Care

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 Cascade Eye Care today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(360) 577-1500