What Is Keratoconus?
Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye responsible for focusing light. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape scatters light as it enters the eye, causing blurry, distorted, and sometimes double vision that regular glasses or standard contact lenses often cannot adequately correct.
Keratoconus typically begins to appear in the teenage years or early adulthood and may progress slowly over a decade or more. Early diagnosis and proper management are essential to preserve quality of vision and prevent unnecessary progression.
Symptoms of Keratoconus
- Blurry or distorted vision that fluctuates and worsens over time
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare (photophobia)
- Seeing halos or "starbursts" around lights at night
- Frequent prescription changes in glasses or contact lenses
- Inability to achieve adequate vision with standard corrective lenses
- Eye rubbing (a significant risk factor that can accelerate progression)
How Arizona's Vision Treats Keratoconus
Our Keratoconus Specialists at Arizona's Vision use corneal topography and advanced diagnostic imaging to accurately map the shape of your cornea and determine the best treatment approach for your unique case. Treatment options typically include:
- Scleral Lenses: Large-diameter rigid gas-permeable lenses that vault over the irregular cornea and create a smooth optical surface, significantly improving visual clarity.
- Specialty Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: Custom-fitted lenses that provide better vision correction than standard lenses for mild to moderate keratoconus.
- Hybrid Contact Lenses: Combining a rigid center with a soft skirt for improved comfort while maintaining excellent optical correction.
- Corneal Cross-Linking Referral: For patients with progressive keratoconus, we coordinate referrals for corneal cross-linking procedures to help stabilize the condition.
- Eyeglasses: May provide adequate correction in very mild, early-stage keratoconus.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools We Use
- Corneal topography to map the exact shape of your cornea
- Corneal tomography for full corneal thickness assessment
- Optomap retinal imaging for comprehensive eye health evaluation
Schedule Your Keratoconus Consultation in Phoenix
If your vision is becoming increasingly blurry or distorted despite updated prescriptions, keratoconus may be the cause. Don't wait — early intervention leads to the best outcomes. Call Arizona's Vision today at (480) 706-3937 to schedule a consultation with our Keratoconus Specialists in Phoenix, AZ.