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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293 Reviews
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- Oct. 11, 2024
Confused as to why an office visit for yearly and another visit just to check my eyes for Contacts. ... Almost $ 210.00 more than I have Ever paid before. Have to do some thinking about that,
- Oct. 05, 2024
You couldn’t ask for a more caring bunch of folks.
- Aug. 30, 2024
Dr. John Cheslock and staff are all very friendly and helpful. My appointments are always quick and ... efficient and Dr. John easily answers any questions I have. I highly recommend Cascade Eye Care.
- Aug. 26, 2024
They always treat me good and are very helpful.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Dr. Cheslock is friendly, professional and efficient!
- Jul. 31, 2024
Very nice doctor and staff.
- Jul. 26, 2024
clean, friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Jul. 18, 2024
In the past, I did not have medical insurance coverage. Nevertheless, Dr. John went beyond his call ... of duty and conducted additional tests on my left eye without any additional charges, demonstrating his commitment to his patients' well-being. Thank you Dr. John ☺️.
- Jul. 18, 2024
Dr cheslock is the best!
- Jul. 08, 2024
I have so many good things to say. They are the easiest office ever to schedule with, amazing friend... ly front office. Dr. Bill is amazing, friendly & SO knowledgeable. Found out what's been causing 6 years of struggling and walked out excited to be able to see again clearly. Optical department is great as well. Cool clean and calm atmosphere. Seriously, best experience at optometrist ever. Highly recommend. They also see my son and he adores them too. Never changing offices.
- Jul. 08, 2024
Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Very personable optometrist. I'll definitely be going back for an... y eye care needs
- Jun. 24, 2024
Everyone was very friendly and helpful 🙂
- Jun. 15, 2024
Love this company. The staff are helpful and friendly and very welcoming. They schedule appts accord... ingly. Very punctual in taking back patients at their scheduled time.
- Jun. 07, 2024
Staff had a smile on their face and a great attitude!
- Jun. 06, 2024
I've been going there for several years now because of how the staff and doctors make me feel so muc... h at home.
- Jun. 04, 2024
They are the friendliest bunch of chuckleheads I've ever seen in a medical office.
- Jan. 30, 2024
My grandma, my mom, me, and all my children go to this eye doctor for decades. I love it here..they ... are very affordable and helpful. The receptionists are always friendly and understanding.
- Nov. 22, 2023
Appointments are easily scheduled, very courteous and friendly staff, clean, wheelchair accessible, ... and they have so many options for glasses.
- Sep. 16, 2023
Great experience. Everyone there is very nice and professional . Got my glasses very quickly and abl... e to use my own frames. Prescription was perfect. Highly recommend this practice.
- Jun. 28, 2023
This has been my go to optometrist for years now and I highly recommend giving them your business. A... lways friendly staff and willingness to help is just a couple of the benefits of going here.

View All 293 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Longview

Our optometry practice in Longview

Photograph of Brandon  Malmstadt
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
  • Saturday Closed
  • 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