Vision Therapy in Rigden Farm

Keratoconus and Contact Lenses: Finding the Perfect Fit

(970) 224-9880

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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371 Reviews
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- Mar. 28, 2025
Greeted and accepted as a new client in a timely manner. New prescription and glasses provided.
- Mar. 25, 2025
Friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff located in a convenient and pleasant office.
- Mar. 20, 2025
Great and friendly staff!
- Mar. 18, 2025
Staff is very professional and efficient. Office is clean and pleasant.
- Mar. 08, 2025
Friendly staff good service and explained the process
- Mar. 08, 2025
Staff are friendly, professional, & knowledgeable. Extremely happy with the care I received.
- Mar. 04, 2025
Amazing work . Fantastic service
- Mar. 03, 2025
I’ve been seeing Dr. Kelly, She is great and and caring. She takes time to answer all my questions... . SHAE was very helpful, helping me choose my glasses, showing me the differences and explaining insurance benefits to me. Highly recommend her to help you when you’re there.
- Feb. 24, 2025
Everyone I encountered was very very pleasant and helpful. It was a great experience. It was quick y... et I didn’t feel rushed at all. Doctor and tech were great. The lady helping me pick my frames was absolutely lovely and patient with me. And I’m finally getting the rx I’ve needed. My highest recommendations.
- Feb. 05, 2025
Great place!
- Feb. 05, 2025
Our whole family has seen Dr. Kelly for a number of years now! She is kind, caring, and patient. She... does a wonderful job with the kids and takes her time explaining all that she needs to. Highly recommended Mountain View Eye Specialists!
- Jan. 31, 2025
Excellent service - everyone was very friendly and very helpful! I love my glasses!
- Jan. 25, 2025
Most courteous and knowledgeable staff anywhere. They should be the blueprint for every customer bas... ed company within any industry.
- Dec. 28, 2024
Thanks for providing excellent service!
- Dec. 27, 2024
I've been to several eye doctors in Fort Collins, and my eyes found their home at Mountain View. The... staff is so friendly, and the docs know their stuff! I recently stepped on my glasses, put them on the coffee table where my dog tasted the ear piece and mangled it. Megan was so kind and patient in fixing my glasses and spent time adjusting the fit until it worked for me. I've always felt welcomed and valued here!
- Dec. 12, 2024
Kristy was so helpful with selecting the right frames for my face and optimal appearance. This is my... first time wearing glasses and she helped me with proper fitting and how to maximize my viewing. Overall I'd recommend Kristy and Mountain View Eye Specialists to anyone looking for a great experience!
- Dec. 03, 2024
I really appreciate that Dr. Amy considers all health issues that might effect my eyes and eyesight.... Viewed as a whole person at this eye doctor's office 🙂
- Oct. 11, 2024
I was recommended to transfer my eye care here and it was a great recommendation! Office staff is fr... iendly and attentive and Dr. German is clearly very knowledgeable. Will definitely continue being a patient here!
- Oct. 04, 2024
Staff is very friendly and Dr. Kelly is amazing.
- Aug. 09, 2024
Office has high-tech equipment and knowledgeable staff. Dr. Gregory Abel is very pleasant, and extre... mely good at both vision assessment and identifying potential diseases. After age 40, an annual check-up is highly recommended.

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Scleral Lenses in Rigden Farm

Our optometry practice in Rigden Farm

Photograph of Amy  Abel
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Experience Clarity with Scleral Lenses from Mountain View Eye Specialists

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 Mountain View Eye Specialists today. Your journey to clear vision begins here.[b]

(970) 224-9880