Types Of Contact Lenses For Keratoconus
Gas permeable contact lenses rgp or gp rgp rigid gas permeable contact lenses are the most widely used method of improving vision in patients.
Types of contact lenses for keratoconus. Instead scleral lenses vault over the entire corneal surface resting on the white portion of the eye known as the sclera. Rigid gas permeable rgp or gp contact lenses are primary option for correcting kc vision. Contact lenses for kc. Keratoconus lenses today include rgp lenses soft lenses piggy back lenses hybrid lenses toric lenses vaulting lenses scleral lenses and custom made soft contact lenses.
The rigid lens masks the underlying irregular cornea and functions as the new refractive surface of the eye with the tear film filling in the space between the back of the contact lens andthe front of the eye. While indicated for keratoconus the continuum of care sweetspot is for patients with mild to moderate keratoconus. Contact lenses in the treatment of keratoconus. They are usually used to correct the greater amounts of astigmatism or corneal irregularities present in keratoconus giving better vision than either glasses or soft contact lenses.
Generally scleral contact lenses provide the best fit comfort and visual acuity for someone with keratoconus. The needs of each individual is carefully weighed to find the lens that offers the best combination of visual acuity comfort and corneal health. Scleral contacts are larger in diameter than conventional gas permeable gp contact lenses which allows them to vault over even relatively large areas of distorted cornea eliminating much of the irregular astigmatism and other refractive errors caused by keratoconus. There is no one design that is best for every type or stage of keratoconus.
Rigid defines the type of lens. Rgp rigid gas permeable contact lenses these lenses also known as hard contact lenses are not as flexible as soft lenses. Ultrahealth lenses are the most advanced hybrid lens. In cases of early keratoconus a standard gp lens may be used.
Hybrid contact lens options for patients with keratoconus include synergeyes kc clearkone and ultrahealth. Soft contact lenses for keratoconus. Scleral contact lenses for keratoconus many optometrists and ophthalmologists recommend scleral contact lenses for a variety of hard to fit eyes including eyes with keratoconus.