Vision Therapy in Sharpstown

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(713) 774-1124

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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166 Reviews
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- Jan. 14, 2025
I've been a client for at least 40 years; need I say more. Probably not, but I will. When I got Lasi... k years ago, Dr. Chin personally walked me through the process; who does that?
- Dec. 13, 2024
I travel here from wherever in the US (and soon from Europe) I live because the attention and servic... e is second to none.
- Nov. 08, 2024
Dr. Allen is the best, he worked very hard to make sure my contacts fit perfectly. The staff is ver... y friendly, and helpful.
- Oct. 27, 2024
I went in for my granddaughter's glasses and there was so professional with her and made my granddau... ghter feel comfortable
- Oct. 22, 2024
Awesome customer service and very knowledgeable doctor and nurses!
- Oct. 22, 2024
My husband and I came to Dr. Allen J. Chin to get glasses and contacts yearly since 2014. The staff ... are courteous and the service is organized. We love our doctor because he remembers us even though we see him yearly. During Covid, we decided to get LASIK done in 2020 and he recommended us to do so. We were happy that he was present after our procedure which made us feel comforted. He checked our vision and educated us what to expect and changed to notice. We had no major complications and our checkups are fast. We had a visit recently and I asked him about when we should check our baby vision. He gave us his recommendation based on our history and how it would affect our baby and what to do to protect our baby’s vision. He and clinic are wonderful.
- Oct. 08, 2024
Excellent eye care and innovative doctor willing to go the distance to make sure you are happy with ... the vision you get with your contacts. Highly recommend!
- Oct. 03, 2024
Dr. Chin is very knowledgeable, caring, and responsible. His staff members are friendly and efficien... t. The office is clean and nice. Very pleasant experience.
- Sep. 30, 2024
Dr. Allen H. Chen provides comprehensive and is very knowledgeable. He has been my optometrist for a... Lifetime.
- Sep. 25, 2024
Good customer service and very knowledgeable staff that gives optimal care
- Sep. 19, 2024
Amazing Dr and staff. I’ve been coming here since the 1990’s, always a pleasant experience.
- Sep. 18, 2024
Dr. Allen Jr and his staff are the best. Excellent service😊
- Sep. 16, 2024
Dr. Allen Chin is one of the best optometrist in Houston. Great honest friendly doctor with plenty ... of experience.
- Aug. 31, 2024
They care about the customer and will go over and beyond for customer service.
- Aug. 25, 2024
I have been going to Dr Chin Sr. since I was 14 - 15 yrs old. Still the first class Eye care center... .
- Aug. 16, 2024
Both doctors and staff are amazing. They are helpful, prices are reasonable, good hours and they go... over and beyond to make sure you are satisfied with your glasses.
- Aug. 12, 2024
The doctors and staff are always thorough, patient, and helpful! I have been a patient of Dr. Chin's... for more than 40 years and have always experienced a superb level of care.
- Aug. 08, 2024
40 years of reliable care and service. Both doctors have kind demeanors and engage the patient in de... cisions.
- Jul. 16, 2024
Great service, fair pricing and nice location. The staff is really friendly and attentive.
- Jun. 24, 2024
Excellent eye care. Knowledgeable and efficient. I've been a patient of Dr. Allen Chin and his fat... her for about 20 years. Always a great experience.

View All 166 Reviews

Scleral Lenses in Sharpstown

Our optometry practice in Sharpstown

Photograph of Allen H.  Chin
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • Aetna
  • United Healthcare
  • Cigna
  • EyeMed
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • Versant Health
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Medicare
  • Medicare Part B

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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Lifetime Eyecare & Contact Lens 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 Lifetime Eyecare & Contact Lens Center today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(713) 774-1124