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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118 Reviews
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- 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.
- Jun. 20, 2024
Dr. Allen Chin Sr. has been my optometrist for 40+ years. He is an excellent and caring doctor. He h... as provided eyecare for my entire family. I highly recommend him and Lifetime Eyecare for the eyecare needs of your family.
- Jun. 17, 2024
I've been a customer here for over 15 years. My experiences are always positive. I love both Dr Ch... ins and the staff is always so polite and friendly. Great job guys - keep doing what you do!
- Jun. 15, 2024
Very personable experience
- Jun. 13, 2024
Great experience at this place. Everyone is professional and you don’t feel rushed.
- Jun. 07, 2024
Dr. Chin, Sr., Karen and Irene are top notch. Very good experience.
- May. 24, 2024
Best Ever!!! I was fortunate enough to have been referred to the younger Dr. Chin by one of my stude... nts. I have been a very satisfied patient for over 5 years now. This is one of the kindest and most knowledgeable professionals, I have ever dealt with (I'm in my 60s and 2X retired). I am so happy that I had enough sense to listen to that sweet and sincere little 6th grade student that day in my classroom. It was truly one of my smartest moments. Dr. Allen Chin is amazing!
- May. 19, 2024
Professionals
- May. 17, 2024
I have been going to Dr. Chin since I was 12 and I an 49 now. The service is always polite and court... eous. The atmosphere is welcoming.
- May. 15, 2024
I've been a patient for more than 30 years and can't speak highly enough of both Dr. Chins. They are... kind, patient, knowledgeable, and honest and the entire staff has always been impressive and personable.
- May. 06, 2024
Only share as anonymously
- Apr. 28, 2024
It was a great experience as usual. Eye glasses are the best vision I've had in 15 years.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Good customer service and fair price 👍
- Apr. 17, 2024
Dr. Allen (Chin) is a wonderful provider. Takes the time to listen and explain what is needed.
- Apr. 16, 2024
Great service and caring staff!!
- Apr. 04, 2024
A+. Knowledgeable and caring, a perfect combo.
- Mar. 28, 2024
I have been going to Dr. Chin for over 20 years and his staff works together like a family.
- Sep. 02, 2023
I have gone here for 30+ years. They know their business. Highly recommended
- Dec. 18, 2022
Have been going here for years. Dr Allen Chin is the best.

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Scleral Lenses in Sharpstown

Our optometry practice in Sharpstown

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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
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  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Medicare
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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