Contact lenses for keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea gradually becomes thinner and bulges outwards in a cone-shaped manner. This results in an irregularly curved surface that refracts light abnormally, causing vision to become blurred and distorted. Glasses are often unable to correct this irregularity effectively.

Contact lenses for keratoconus are specially designed to optically compensate for the irregular surface of the cornea. They create a new, smoother refractive surface between the lens and the cornea, allowing light to be focused more sharply on the retina. These lenses are made to measure and fitted by a specialist optician or optometrist.

There are various types of lenses for keratoconus, depending on the severity and form of the condition:

• RGP lenses (rigid gas-permeable): rigid, oxygen-permeable lenses that rest on the cornea and bridge the irregularity.
• Scleral lenses: larger, rigid lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and form a fluid reservoir beneath the lens; often more comfortable for patients with advanced keratoconus.
• Hybrid lenses: a combination of a hard centre and a soft edge, designed for comfort and stability.
• Soft toric or special soft lenses: sometimes suitable in mild cases, but less effective with more severe irregularities.

The choice of lens type depends on the shape and severity of the keratoconus, eye health and comfort. Careful fitting and follow-up by a specialist are essential.

Fitting and follow-up

Contact lenses for keratoconus are always custom-fitted. The optician or optometrist measures the shape of your cornea using specialised equipment (topography) and selects the correct lens type, curvature and diameter. Regular check-ups are important to assess whether the lens still fits properly and whether the cornea remains healthy.

Care and hygiene

Rigid lenses and scleral lenses require careful cleaning and disinfection. Always follow the instructions for use of your lens solution and the advice given by your optician. Scleral lenses are often filled with a sterile saline solution before insertion; ensure that this solution is clean and fresh.

Comfort and adjustment

Rigid lenses may initially feel like a foreign object on your eye. Most wearers get used to this within a few days to weeks. Scleral lenses are often found to be more comfortable because they rest on the white part of the eye and do not press directly against the sensitive cornea.

When to see your optician

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that requires regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist. If you notice a sudden deterioration in your vision, pain, redness or persistent discomfort with your lenses, please contact your optician or ophthalmologist. In some cases, additional treatment, such as cross-linking or a corneal transplant, may be necessary.